The Integral Role of Email Security in NIS2 Compliance

NIS2 (Network and Information Systems Directive) is a European Union regulation that aims to enhance cybersecurity and resilience of network and information systems within critical infrastructure organizations. The NIS2 directive is aimed at all public and private entities operating in the EU that are critical to the economy and society. It is an update to the original NIS Directive, expanding its scope and strengthening cybersecurity obligations for organizations.

Some of the key objectives of NIS2 relate to improving cyber security controls, particularly for organizations within critical national infrastructure, such as energy, transport, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. This might include improved incident response plans and risk management frameworks to ensure the cyber resilience of their network and information systems. A key component in NIS2 is the importance of cooperation between EU member states. It promotes the exchange of information on cybersecurity incidents, sharing of best practices, and emerging threats to enable a collective response to these cyber security challenges.

It also introduces stronger supervisory mechanisms and enforcement to ensure compliance with the cybersecurity requirements. It empowers national authorities to monitor compliance adherence, conduct audits, and ultimately impose penalties and fines on organizations that fail to meet the cybersecurity standards.

What impact does NIS2 have on email security?

Email security is a vital component of NIS2 as it is deeply intertwined with the cybersecurity and resilience of network and information systems within critical infrastructure sectors. It holds immense importance in maintaining the overall cybersecurity posture of organizations. It also serves as the primary attack vector for attackers penetrating organizations of all sizes, with around 90% of attacks originating through email. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the significance of email security as an essential element for NIS2 compliance.

Email serves as a crucial communication tool for countless organizations, allowing them to securely exchange sensitive information, including personal data, financial details, and valuable intellectual property. Without proper email security measures, this information can be intercepted by cybercriminals, leading to data breaches and other security incidents. indeed, lacking proper email security measures is akin to sending a postcard through snail mail - anyone who intercepts it can read its contents.

Prevent Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Data

Should email systems be compromised or disrupted by cyberattacks, the organization's ability to operate and provide essential services can be significantly impacted. These attacks can paralyze an organization and stop business operations for weeks, if not months. Such cyber incidents also potentially have a devastating impact on an organization's reputation and public trust. NIS2 requires critical infrastructure providers to maintain the integrity and availability of their systems and data, and email security plays a crucial role in meeting these requirements.

NIS2 requires critical infrastructure providers to protect their systems and data from unauthorized access and processing. Email security capabilities such as encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention technologies can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and ensure compliance with NIS2 regulations.

Establishes Incident Response Plans

NIS2 also requires organizations to establish incident response plans and procedures to effectively respond to and manage cybersecurity incidents. Email security incidents, such as phishing attacks, business email compromises, or data breaches, can have a significant impact on the overall security of an organization. Next generation email security solutions will aid in detecting, mitigating, and responding to such incidents in a timely and efficient manner.

NIS2 involves oversight and enforcement by designated national authorities in the different EU countries. These authorities may evaluate an organization's compliance with NIS2 requirements, including the security measures implemented for email. Demonstrating robust email security practices can contribute to overall compliance with NIS2 and help organizations meet their obligations under the directive.

Addresses Human-related Risks

Continuous security awareness trainings of end users in an organization will help to augment the cyber resilience of an organization, as the human factor is often the weakest link in cybersecurity – and the last line of defense. Employee actions and behaviors can significantly impact the security of network and information systems. NIS2 calls out the importance of addressing human-related risks and encourages organizations to implement measures to raise security awareness among users about cybersecurity threats and best practices. Security awareness training (SAT) also supports this objective by fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Staying alert on emerging threats and regular phishing simulation testing empower employees to help improve organizations’ security posture.

Phishing attacks, including spear-phishing, BEC, and other social engineering techniques, are as stated above, the most common attack vector and can lead to significant security incidents. Through the adoption of a next generation email security technology, coupled with comprehensive security awareness and phishing simulation training, organizations can significantly strengthen their defenses. This proactive approach minimizes the chances of a successful email-borne attack by hardening end-user resilience, thereby reducing the organization's vulnerability to such threats.

Email security is critical for NIS2 compliance as it helps ensure confidentiality, data protection, business continuity, and the reputation of all public and private entities operating in the EU that are crucial to both the economy and society. Security awareness is highly relevant for NIS2 compliance as it addresses the human factor in cybersecurity, reduces the risk of phishing and social engineering attacks and supports the goal of continuous improvement in cybersecurity resilience.

Ready to secure your organization's email and ensure NIS2 compliance? Contact us today to learn more about how IRONSCALES can support your cybersecurity strategy.