NIS2
EU directive for cybersecurity resilience across critical sectors
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
NIS2 mandates cybersecurity for EU critical sectors with strict reporting and fines, while ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud security guidance integrated into ISO 27001. Companies adopt NIS2 for regulatory compliance, ISO 27017 for global cloud best practices and assurance.
NIS2
Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2)
Key Features
- Expanded scope with size-cap rule for medium/large entities
- Strict multi-stage incident reporting within 24/72 hours
- Direct senior management accountability for compliance
- Fines up to 2% of global annual turnover
- Continuous risk management including supply chain security
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific controls for multi-tenancy isolation
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud
- Addresses virtual machine hardening and configuration
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIS2 Details
What It Is
NIS2 Directive, officially Directive (EU) 2022/2555, is an EU regulation expanding the original NIS Directive. It establishes a high common level of cybersecurity across member states, targeting essential and important entities in critical sectors like energy, transport, health, and digital infrastructure. It uses a risk-based approach with proactive, continuous measures.
Key Components
- Four pillars: risk management, incident reporting, business continuity, corporate accountability.
- Strict timelines: 24-hour early warnings, 72-hour notifications, one-month final reports.
- Mandates supply chain security, access controls, encryption, and senior management responsibility.
- No formal certification; compliance via national transposition and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal compliance to avoid fines up to 2% global turnover.
- Enhances resilience against cyber threats, protects critical services.
- Builds stakeholder trust, improves operational continuity.
- Aligns with standards like ISO 27001, boosts competitiveness.
Implementation Overview
- Assess scope (medium/large entities in covered sectors), implement risk assessments, reporting procedures.
- Tailor to national laws (transposed by Oct 2024).
- Ongoing: training, spot checks, supply chain audits.
- Applies EU-wide to specified sectors and sizes.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an international code of practice for information security controls tailored to cloud services. It provides implementation guidance for applying ISO/IEC 27002 controls in cloud environments, introducing cloud-specific additions for CSPs and CSCs. The risk-based approach integrates seamlessly into an ISO 27001 ISMS, addressing shared responsibilities and multi-tenancy risks.
Key Components
- Additional guidance on 37 ISO/IEC 27002 controls adapted for cloud contexts
- 7 new cloud-specific CLD controls on segregation, VM hardening, monitoring, asset lifecycle
- Structured across 14 domains mirroring ISO 27002 (e.g., access control, operations security)
- No standalone certification; assessed within ISO 27001 audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Tackles cloud-unique risks like isolation failures and unclear duties
- Supports regulatory alignment (GDPR, CCPA) and procurement demands
- Boosts risk management, operational maturity, and customer trust
- Offers competitive differentiation for CSPs in multi-cloud markets
Implementation Overview
- Extend existing ISO 27001 ISMS through risk assessments and control mapping
- Activities include shared responsibility matrices, configuration hardening, logging setup
- Suited for cloud-reliant organizations globally, any size
- Joint audits with ISO 27001 by accredited bodies, typically 9-12 months
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIS2 | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Critical infrastructure sectors EU-wide | Cloud-specific security controls globally |
| Industry | Essential/important entities in EU sectors | Cloud providers and customers all industries |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with fines | Voluntary ISO guidance standard |
| Testing | Incident reporting and spot checks | Integrated ISO 27001 audits |
| Penalties | Up to 2% global turnover fines | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIS2 and ISO 27017
NIS2 FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
From Reactive Gatekeeper to Proactive Strategist: How Compliance Software Reshapes the Compliance Professional's Day
Discover how compliance software automates monitoring, delivers real-time insights, and transforms compliance pros from reactive gatekeepers to proactive strate
Top 10 NIST CSF 2.0 Myths Busted: Separating Hype from Reality for Smarter Adoption
Bust 10 NIST CSF 2.0 myths like 'only for critical infrastructure' or 'Govern replaces Identify'. Plain-English breakdowns, evidence, and fixes for flexible ris
You Guide on how to Start Implementing NIST CSF in Your Organization
Master NIST CSF implementation in your organization with this detailed guide. Learn core functions, key steps, best practices, and tips for cybersecurity succes
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
PDPA vs ISO 55001
PDPA vs ISO 55001: Compare Singapore's data privacy law with global asset management standards. Uncover key differences, compliance strategies & synergies for risk-free operations. Dive in now!
ISO 45001 vs TOGAF
ISO 45001 vs TOGAF: Compare OH&S safety standard with enterprise architecture framework. Uncover PDCA/ADM cycles, leadership, risk mgmt & IMS integration benefits!
COBIT vs IATF 16949
Discover COBIT vs IATF 16949: IT governance powerhouse meets automotive QMS standard. Key differences in principles, design factors, and compliance benefits. Optimize enterprise strategy now!