The directive shouldn’t be viewed as another compliance exercise, however. It should be seen as an opportunity to transform an organisation’s approach to cybersecurity to turn it into a value-adding business practice. If used effectively, NIS2 does more than just secure operations - it ensures an organisation has the ability to adapt to the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape.
Preparing for compliance
In preparing for NIS2, organisations need to accept the realities of cyber risk and bolster their defences in a number of ways:
- Risk changes dynamically and continuous risk assessments and risk monitoring are critically important for the energy generation and distribution sectors.
- Compliance is important but can offer a false sense of security in the face of rapidly changing cyber risks. Energy companies need to ensure their compliance efforts actively contribute to strengthening the overall resilience of their operations.
- Unwanted events are likely to happen despite preventative measures. Energy companies need to ensure that those measures are complemented by robust, proactive detection and response capabilities. This will bolster resilience in the face of power outages, grid failures and cyberattacks.
- People play a crucial role in dealing with emergencies. Regular training and participation in simulated emergencies could equip leadership teams and staff to make informed decisions when crises do arise.
A robust and resilient energy sector is critically important, not just for economic development but for a functioning society as well. Adherence to the very highest standards in the areas of cybersecurity and compliance with the NIS2 Directive are vital in this regard.
Implementing NIS2 requires key strategies for organisational change
Navigating the complexity of operations and cybersecurity under the NIS2 Directive requires organisations to adopt a strategic approach encompassing the following elements:
Identify and prioritise your core business and assets
Energy companies, including power producers, transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs), need to identify their key assets to maintain efficient energy generation, transmission and distribution.
Address the interconnection of IT and OT
The critical intersection of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) requires strategic action from energy companies to tackle unique cybersecurity challenges and build resilience. This is increasingly important as digital transformation brings these systems closer together, creating a situation where a security breach can cause widespread disruption and impact entire regions. Implementing robust protection measures and remaining adaptable in the face of rapid technological evolution are vital steps and will help build a foundation of resilience that prepares organisations for future cybersecurity challenges.
Plan for success
The planning process is critically important. It is not just about having procedures but anticipating sector-specific challenges. This involves moving beyond theoretical plans to practical simulations and drills that test strategies for real-world crises. This preparation builds organisational readiness and resilience and helps management and employees to effectively handle emergencies.
It is vitally important to have the right team in place to prepare for NIS2. Organisations need to ensure that they have the right mix of people from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of experience across both sector and cybersecurity to have the capacity and capability to respond to new challenges as they arise.
Understand external risks
The energy sector is a complex system of interdependent suppliers, distributors and consumers, where disruptions can cause widespread issues. Managing these interconnections requires the use of advanced technology and human expertise. Energy companies must gain insights into potential risks from third-party relationships and put in place measures to mitigate the increased risk of cyberattacks.
Move beyond compliance
Compliance alone is not enough, and true resilience requires more than just a tick box exercise. Energy sector organisations must use their own knowledge and expertise to implement best cybersecurity practices within their own unique operational setting.
Moving from cybersecurity to cyber safety
The NIS2 Directive focuses on resilience, reflecting organisations’ critical societal roles. Implementing the directive requires extensive strategic planning, collaboration and a commitment to cybersecurity across value chains. Focusing on the transformational aspects of NIS2 is key to success, both in terms of compliance and improved resilience. To prepare for NIS2 compliance and to deal with the threats of tomorrow, organisations need to understand what their key assets are, what the key risks to their operations and business strategy are and use that knowledge to strengthen their preparedness and overall resilience.
Summary
The EU NIS2 Directive addresses the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect energy services and infrastructure from cyberattack. This will help to build energy system resilience and benefit multiple sectors while safeguarding society at large. Implementing NIS2 requires strategic planning by energy sector organisations and goes beyond mere compliance. Preparation, continuous risk monitoring, and ongoing training in cybersecurity will not only help organisations meet the new requirements of NIS2 but will also protect them from future threats and support them in performing their vital role in society.
