NIS2
EU directive for high cybersecurity across critical sectors
ISO 31000
International guidelines for enterprise risk management
Quick Verdict
NIS2 mandates cybersecurity for EU critical sectors with strict reporting and fines, while ISO 31000 offers voluntary risk management guidelines for any organization. Companies adopt NIS2 for compliance, ISO 31000 for strategic resilience and better decisions.
NIS2
Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2)
Key Features
- Expands scope via size-cap rule to medium/large entities
- Mandates strict multi-stage incident reporting timelines
- Imposes direct accountability on senior management
- Enforces fines up to 2% global annual turnover
- Requires continuous risk and supply chain management
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Eight principles for effective risk management
- Leadership commitment and governance integration
- Iterative six-step risk management process
- Customized to any organization and context
- Non-certifiable guidelines creating/protecting value
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIS2 Details
What It Is
NIS2, officially Directive (EU) 2022/2555, is an EU regulation strengthening cybersecurity resilience. It expands the original NIS Directive's scope to essential and important entities in sectors like energy, transport, health, and digital infrastructure. NIS2 employs a risk-based, continuous assurance approach, shifting from static compliance to proactive, evidence-based measures.
Key Components
- Four pillars: risk management, business continuity, incident reporting, corporate accountability.
- Strict reporting: 24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, one-month final report.
- Leverages standards like ISO 27001, NIST CSF; focuses on supply chain security, access controls, encryption.
- Compliance via national transposition, spot checks, no formal certification but ongoing audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal obligations, avoids fines up to 2% global turnover.
- Builds cyber resilience, protects critical operations.
- Enhances trust, competitiveness; supports cross-border cooperation.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, risk assessments, policy updates, training.
- Targets medium/large EU entities in covered sectors.
- Continuous: dynamic registers, vendor audits, board oversight. (178 words)
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard offering non-certifiable guidance for systematic risk management. It defines risk as the effect of uncertainty on objectives, applicable to any organization, size, or sector. The principles-based approach emphasizes integration into governance and operations for value creation and protection.
Key Components
- **Three pillars8 principles (integrated, structured, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best information, human/cultural factors, continual improvement); framework (leadership, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement); 6-step process (communication/consultation, scope/context/criteria, assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting).
- Aligned with PDCA cycle; no fixed controls.
- Guidelines only, not for certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances decision-making, resilience, and opportunity capture.
- Builds stakeholder trust; supports regulatory alignment.
- Drives efficiency, reduces losses; competitive edge via risk intelligence.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: sponsorship, gap analysis, pilot, rollout, monitoring.
- Tailored to context; training, tools essential.
- Universal applicability; internal audits for assurance (178 words).
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIS2 | ISO 31000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for critical sectors and digital services | Enterprise-wide risk management for any uncertainty |
| Industry | Essential/important entities in EU sectors, medium/large orgs | All industries, organizations worldwide, any size |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with enforcement | Voluntary non-certifiable guidelines |
| Testing | Incident reporting, spot checks by authorities | Internal monitoring, reviews, continual improvement |
| Penalties | Fines up to 2% global turnover | No legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIS2 and ISO 31000
NIS2 FAQ
ISO 31000 FAQ
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