By Jeroen van Es
Imagine this scenario: A European company’s operations grind to a halt due to a sudden, devastating cyberattack. The leadership team scrambles to contain the breach, but vital data is lost, trust is compromised, and the company faces an uphill battle to restore its reputation. This isn’t an isolated incident—it’s a reality that 90% of businesses in the EMEA region faced in the last year, according to a recent survey by Veeam and Censuswide. And the key to preventing many of these incidents lies in something few businesses fully understand yet: NIS2 compliance.
As a strategic advocate in OT cybersecurity, I see NIS2 as more than a regulatory hurdle—it’s a blueprint for resilience. Here’s why I believe NIS2 is essential for companies looking to protect their future.
Why NIS2 is a Game-Changer
NIS2 expands accountability beyond the IT department and into the boardroom, requiring companies to implement executive reporting, comprehensive asset discovery, and proactive incident response protocols. In my role as CCO at Nautilus OT, I’ve witnessed how elevating cybersecurity to the executive level shifts mindsets. Suddenly, cybersecurity is no longer just an operational concern—it’s a strategic priority. This isn’t only my view; it’s backed by the numbers: 43% of IT decision-makers in the EMEA region believe NIS2 is essential for strengthening the EU’s cybersecurity framework.
The significance of NIS2 lies in its focus on resilience. With digital threats constantly evolving, the directive positions companies to protect their data, secure their operations, and ensure continuity, even in the face of escalating cyber risks.
Compliance: An Investment in Security and Growth
I often hear executives express concern over the cost of NIS2 compliance. And it’s true—achieving compliance requires financial commitment, especially in an era when 40% of companies face shrinking IT budgets. However, having worked on countless strategic initiatives, I’ve seen time and again that the investment in cybersecurity is much more than a line item; it’s an investment in security, leadership, and growth.
NIS2 isn’t just a regulatory checkbox. When organisations allocate resources for new technologies, enhanced reporting, and staff training, they’re not just meeting compliance requirements; they’re investing in their long-term success. I’ve witnessed the difference it makes when cybersecurity is woven into the fabric of an organisation, becoming a core value that drives confidence and trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders alike.
The Need for Decisive Leadership
As cyber incidents increase in both frequency and severity, the need for proactive leadership has never been clearer. According to the same survey, 44% of respondents experienced more than three cyber incidents, with a staggering 65% of these classified as highly critical. As an executive, I know that it’s essential to be proactive in identifying vulnerabilities and implementing robust measures.
Leaders who prioritize cybersecurity—through investments in asset discovery, incident reporting, and executive-level reviews—position their organisations not just to survive but to thrive in a competitive landscape. Cybersecurity must be seen as a business enabler, not a barrier.
NIS2: Building a Future-Proof Foundation
In closing, NIS2 is not just a compliance mandate; it’s a foundation for a secure, resilient future. The challenges of implementation are real, yet so are the benefits. NIS2 offers organisations the guidance and resources to protect themselves against today’s threats while building the resilience to handle tomorrow’s challenges.
At Nautilus OT, we’ve experienced the transformative power of a strong cybersecurity foundation. NIS2 compliance equips European companies with the tools they need to foster trust, ensure stability, and confidently navigate a digital landscape that’s constantly evolving. For me, this directive represents a crucial opportunity for businesses across Europe to embrace cybersecurity as a strategic advantage—and to thrive because of it.