NIS2
EU directive for cybersecurity resilience in critical sectors
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
NIS2 mandates cybersecurity resilience for EU critical sectors like energy, enforcing risk management and incident reporting with hefty fines. ISO 27701 offers voluntary PIMS certification for global PII processors, demonstrating privacy governance via audits. Companies adopt NIS2 for compliance, ISO 27701 for trust.
NIS2
Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2)
Key Features
- Expands scope via size-cap rule to medium/large entities
- Mandates strict 24/72-hour multi-stage incident reporting
- Holds senior management directly accountable for compliance
- Requires continuous risk management and supply chain security
- Imposes fines up to 2% of global annual turnover
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management
Key Features
- Stand-alone PIMS for controllers and processors
- Privacy-specific controls in Annex A/B
- Risk-based assessments including data subject impacts
- Mappings to GDPR and ISO 27001/27002
- PDCA cycle with auditable evidence generation
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIS2 Details
What It Is
The NIS2 Directive, officially Directive (EU) 2022/2555, is an EU regulation expanding the original NIS Directive to achieve a high common level of cybersecurity across member states. It targets essential and important entities in broadened sectors like energy, transport, health, and digital infrastructure, using a risk-based approach with size-cap rules for medium/large organizations.
Key Components
- **Risk managementContinuous assessments, supply chain security, access controls, encryption.
- **Incident reporting24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, one-month final report to CSIRTs.
- **Business continuityRecovery plans and crisis procedures.
- **Corporate accountabilitySenior management responsibility. Compliance enforced by national authorities, no formal certification but spot checks and fines up to 2% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for covered entities to avoid severe penalties; enhances resilience against threats; builds stakeholder trust; aligns with standards like ISO 27001; supports cross-border cooperation.
Implementation Overview
Conduct gap analysis, implement measures, register with authorities; applies to EU medium/large entities in specified sectors; transposition by October 2024 with varying national timelines and 12-18 month grace periods.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is an international standard providing requirements and guidance for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends ISO 27001 for privacy, focusing on managing PII risks for controllers and processors using a risk-based, PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- **Annex A/BController/processor-specific controls (e.g., consent, DSARs, transfers).
- Mappings to GDPR, ISO 27002; ~100 privacy controls.
- Certification via accredited audits, 3-year cycle with surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates accountability for privacy laws like GDPR.
- Reduces risks, builds trust, aids procurement.
- Integrates with ISMS for efficiency; competitive edge via certification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: Scope, gap analysis, controls, audits.
- Applies to all PII-processing orgs; 6-12 months typical.
- Internal audits, SoA, evidence essential for certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIS2 | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity resilience for critical infrastructure | Privacy management system for PII processing |
| Industry | Essential sectors like energy, transport (EU) | Any PII-processing organization (global) |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with enforcement | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | National authority spot checks, audits | Third-party certification audits, surveillance |
| Penalties | Fines up to 2% global turnover | Loss of certification, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIS2 and ISO 27701
NIS2 FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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