NIS2
EU directive strengthening cybersecurity for critical infrastructure
WCAG
International standard for web content accessibility.
Quick Verdict
NIS2 mandates cybersecurity resilience for EU critical sectors with strict reporting and fines up to 2% turnover, while WCAG provides testable web accessibility guidelines adopted globally for legal compliance, inclusivity, and better UX.
NIS2
Directive (EU) 2022/2555 - Network and Information Systems 2
Key Features
- Mandates strict multi-stage incident reporting timelines
- Holds senior management directly accountable for compliance
- Applies size-cap rule to medium/large entities
- Imposes fines up to 2% global annual turnover
- Requires continuous risk management and supply chain security
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Key Features
- POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
- Testable success criteria at A, AA, AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic for web, apps, future tech
- Backward-compatible additive versions (2.0 to 2.2)
- Full pages, complete processes conformance requirements
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 expanding the original NIS Directive. It establishes a high common level of cybersecurity resilience for essential and important entities across broadened sectors like energy, transport, health, and digital infrastructure. Employs a risk-based, all-hazards approach to risk management.
Key Components
- Four pillars: risk management, corporate accountability, reporting obligations, business continuity.
- Mandates supply chain security, access controls, encryption, incident response plans.
- Strict timelines: 24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, 1-month final report.
- Continuous assurance with national authority spot checks; aligns with ISO 27001, NIST CSF.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures legal compliance, avoiding fines up to 2% global turnover for essentials.
- Builds cyber resilience against threats like ransomware, APTs.
- Enhances business continuity, stakeholder trust, competitive edge.
- Drives enterprise-wide transformation for proactive security.
Implementation Overview
- Applies to medium/large entities (50+ employees, €10M+ turnover) in covered sectors EU-wide.
- Steps: scope assessment, risk assessments, reporting setup, management training.
- National transposition by October 2024; ongoing audits, no formal certification but evidence-based compliance.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is the W3C's international standard for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. It provides technology-agnostic, testable success criteria organized in a layered model of principles, guidelines, and levels.
Key Components
- Four POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines with ~80 success criteria at Levels A, AA, AAA.
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, and failures for implementation.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal mandates (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk amid rising lawsuits.
- Enhances UX, conversion rates, market reach (1B+ disabled users).
- Builds reputation, SEO, procurement competitiveness.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, CI/CD integration, audits.
- Applies to all org sizes, web/apps; AA common target.
- No formal certification; VPAT/ACR for claims, expert audits recommended.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIS2 | WCAG |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity risk management, incident reporting, supply chain security | Web content accessibility for people with disabilities (POUR principles) |
| Industry | Essential/important entities in EU sectors (energy, transport, digital infrastructure) | All organizations with web content, global applicability |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation with national transposition | Voluntary W3C technical standard referenced in laws |
| Testing | Risk assessments, incident simulations, national authority audits | Automated scans, manual audits, assistive technology testing |
| Penalties | Fines up to 2% global turnover or €10M | No direct penalties; litigation under accessibility laws |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIS2 and WCAG
NIS2 FAQ
WCAG FAQ
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