The Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2) is a pivotal regulation reshaping the cybersecurity landscape for companies operating within critical infrastructure sectors. It aims to boost the resilience of essential services by introducing strict guidelines to tackle cyber threats head-on. In this article, we will explore the significance of NIS2, delve into the criteria categorizing companies as essential critical infrastructure, and discuss the hardware requirements crucial for compliance, with a spotlight on Profitap's secure network TAPs.
Understanding NIS2 criteria
NIS2 provides guidelines to boost cyber resilience in critical network infrastructure, including sectors vital for societal functioning. Companies operating within these sectors must follow NIS2 guidelines to ensure the security and continuity of their network and information systems.
Critical Infrastructure Sectors under NIS2
NIS2 significantly impacts various industries like energy, transportation, healthcare, and finance. Real-life case studies show how crucial NIS2 compliance is, emphasizing the need for strong cybersecurity measures in these sectors. For example, a cyber attack on the energy sector could disrupt power grids, causing ripple effects on other vital services.
NIS2 has divided entities into two main categories:
Essential entitiesOrganizations designated as critical entities according to the CER Directive are automatically considered essential entities according to the NIS2 Directive. Large organizations operating in a sector listed in Annex I of the NIS2 Directive. An organization is considered large based on the following criteria: at least 250 employees or; an annual turnover of more than 50 million euros and a balance sheet total of more than 43 million euros. Essential sectors under NIS2
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Important entitiesMedium-sized organizations operating in a sector listed in Annex I and medium-sized and large organizations operating in a sector listed in Annex II. An organization is considered medium-sized based on the following criteria: at least 50 employees or; an annual turnover and total balance sheet exceeding 10 million euros. Important sectors under NIS2
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Network visibility for cybersecurity
Under the NIS2 directive, it’s a company's responsibility to assess and proactively protect its networks against cyber threats. Besides that, it’s mandatory to notify a supervisor body of breaches within 24 hours of the incident.
Ultimately, you need very clear and actionable insight into what is happening on your networks and from a source that provides quality data you can rely on.
Tools you can rely on
To achieve end-to-end security, entities under NIS2 must be able to rely on the security of the solutions they employ. They need to know the entire chain of tools involved in network operations is secure, from the production of the devices to transportation and their deployment in the network infrastructure and every step in between.
Profitap Secure Network TAPs: Features and Benefits
Profitap secure network TAPs can provide another step towards NIS2 compliance. These devices offer non-intrusive, passive network traffic monitoring, facilitating real-time analysis without affecting network performance. A specific highlight is that these tools help ensure that the entire chain of tools involved in network operations is secure: from the production of the devices to transportation and their deployment in the network infrastructure and every step in between.
Key features include
- Visibility: Profitap TAPs provide complete visibility into network traffic, allowing organizations to monitor and analyze data effectively.
- Resilience: With a data diode and fast failover times, Profitap TAPs contribute to the resilience of critical infrastructure.
- Security: Network TAPs enhance cybersecurity by forwarding high-quality network data to security tools, helping organizations promptly detect and mitigate potential threats.
- Compliance: Profitap’s secure network TAPs are designed to meet ANSSI’s CSPN guidelines for use in critical infrastructures and are manufactured to meet the highest security standards.
Profitap’s secure network TAPs are designed to meet ANSSI’s CSPN guidelines for use in critical infrastructures and are manufactured to meet the highest security standards. The CSPN guidelines help comply with the expectations of Critical Infrastructures within the framework of the French Military Programming Law of 2005.
Other European national cybersecurity agencies, such as the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), also recognize the ANSSI CSPN. ANSSI and BSI have signed a mutual recognition agreement for certificates under the CSPN scheme. BSI will recognize all CSPN certifications, and ANSSI will recognize all BSZ certificates.
How Profitap network TAPs meet the ANSSI requirements:
- Physical isolation from the operational network on Copper TAPs, which acts as a data diode.
- Optical data diode for Fiber TAPs prevents light insertion from the monitor ports.
- Secured firmware implemented on active TAPs.
- Security seals prevent opening and tampering with the devices.
- Randomized patterns are used on seals and packaging to ensure secured logistics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NIS2 compliance is critical for companies operating within critical infrastructure sectors. Proactive measures, including the deployment of robust hardware solutions like Profitap secure network TAPs, are instrumental in fortifying cybersecurity postures.
By understanding the compliance criteria, acknowledging the sectors affected, and investing in reliable hardware solutions, companies can navigate the evolving threat landscape and ensure the security and resilience of their network and information systems in adherence to NIS2 regulations.
