[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Cyberattacks are increasing worldwide and affecting companies across all industries. In response, the European Union<\/a> has significantly tightened the requirements for IT security<\/strong> with the NIS2<\/strong> Directive. For many organisations, cybersecurity<\/strong> is therefore becoming a top-management responsibility. By June 2026 at the latest, affected companies must successfully complete their first compliance audit<\/strong>. Those who do not act now risk fines, reputational damage and operational restrictions. <\/p>\n But what does NIS2 actually mean—and how can companies prepare specifically for the first audit?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The NIS2<\/strong> Directive is the further development of the original NIS Directive and is considered the central EU directive<\/strong> for strengthening cybersecurity<\/a> in Europe. It significantly expands both the scope of affected companies and the substantive requirements. <\/p>\n In addition to traditional critical infrastructures such as energy, transport or healthcare, many other sectors now fall under NIS2, including IT service providers, digital platforms, manufacturing companies and parts of the SME sector. The aim is to create a uniformly high level of security across the EU. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” ol_line_height=”1.8em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A key difference from earlier regulations: NIS2 explicitly addresses the responsibility of company leadership. Executive management and the board must ensure that appropriate security measures are implemented and reviewed regularly. <\/p>\n Cybersecurity is therefore no longer purely an IT topic. Strategic decisions, budget issues and risk management move into the focus of top management. As part of a compliance audit, it is examined closely whether this responsibility is being fulfilled. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The NIS2 Directive obliges companies to implement a wide range of organisational and technical measures. These include, among others: <\/p>\n These requirements form the basis for the subsequent compliance audit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” ol_line_height=”1.7em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A successful audit begins long before the actual audit date. Companies should choose a structured approach early on to avoid time pressure and ad hoc measures. <\/p>\n First, it must be clarified whether and to what extent the company falls under NIS2. The current maturity level of IT security should then be assessed—ideally through a gap analysis. <\/p>\n Based on the analysis, specific measures can be derived. Typical weaknesses are often found in access controls, patch management, backup concepts or network segmentation. <\/p>\n For the audit, it is not only crucial that security measures exist, but that they are clearly documented and put into practice. Policies, emergency plans and responsibilities must be described in a traceable manner. <\/p>\n NIS2 places great emphasis on organisational measures. Regular training and awareness programmes are therefore an important component of compliance. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” ol_line_height=”1.7em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A common stumbling block in the compliance audit<\/strong> is insufficient documentation. Even well-implemented security measures can be assessed negatively in the audit if they are not properly evidenced. <\/p>\n Companies should therefore develop a structured documentation strategy at an early stage. These include:<\/p>\n These documents form the backbone of every successful audit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” ol_line_height=”1.7em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Many companies underestimate the organisational effort required by NIS2. In addition to technical adjustments, the directive requires a cultural shift in how cybersecurity<\/strong> and IT security<\/strong> are handled. <\/p>\n Particularly challenging are:<\/p>\n A clear project approach and external support can help overcome these hurdles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px” ul_line_height=”1.7em” ol_line_height=”1.7em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”et_body_layout” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nWhat is the NIS2 Directive?<\/h2>\n
Why NIS2 makes cybersecurity a management responsibility<\/h2>\n
Requirements of NIS2 at a glance<\/a><\/h2>\n
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Preparing for the first NIS2 compliance audit<\/h2>\n
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Documentation as the key to audit success<\/h2>\n
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Typical challenges in implementing NIS2<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Summary: Act now to be prepared for 2026<\/h2>\n