The evolving cyber landscape in Europe has reached a critical milestone with the introduction of NIS2, the latest iteration of the Network and Information Systems Directive. This enhanced directive broadens the scope of industries required to adopt robust security measures, emphasizing incident reporting for critical infrastructure. By expanding accountability, NIS2 aims to fortify defenses against an increasingly complex threat environment.
Although the directive, enacted in October 2024, is still being refined by European member states, its implications are clear: organizations must prioritize accurate, secure, and compliant network monitoring solutions to achieve and maintain security compliance. Profitap stands ready to empower businesses on this journey by providing the essential tools for comprehensive network visibility.
This guide explores how our solutions can help you align with cyber security requirements while ensuring resilience against cyber threats.
Why compliance matters
Complying with NIS2 offers several critical benefits:
- Enhanced Cybersecurity: Strengthen defenses against evolving threats.
- Operational Stability: Ensure seamless operations by mitigating disruptions.
- Legal and Regulatory Adherence: Avoid penalties and legal liabilities.
- Competitive Advantage: Build trust with stakeholders and customers.
- Risk Management: Minimize potential damage from cyber incidents.
- Incident Response and Reporting: Establish clear protocols for timely intervention.
Three pillars of OT network security combine forces
NIS2 works together with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the International Society of Automation (ISA) to form a robust framework for securing Operational Technology (OT) environments.
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
The CRA focuses on product-level security throughout its lifecycle. Manufacturers must design devices, software, and applications with built-in security features, ensuring they remain resilient against threats. By creating secure foundations, the CRA enhances the reliability of OT systems critical to public safety and economic stability.
IEC 62443
IEC 62443, developed by ISA and adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), provides a structured, technical standard tailored to industrial networks. Rooted in ISA's expertise, it outlines best practices and technical requirements to secure devices, control systems, and components within OT environments. Together with NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), IEC 62443 (bolstered by ISA's ongoing advocacy and training initiatives) forms a cohesive approach to meeting cyber security compliance and safeguarding industrial systems.
Cyber compliance implementation overview
- Understand the three major cyber security standards
Get to know the fundamental requirements of the NIS2, CRA, and IEC 62443 Directives and map out which ones apply to your industry and company. To get familiar with the basics, you can read our previous blog on NIS2 here. - Conduct a risk assessment
Map your entire network, listing crucial vulnerable points, and find points of interest to monitor. Include risk management, incident reporting, and operation continuity planning. - Deploy continuous monitoring
Leverage our TAPs, packet brokers, and IOTA solutions for real-time network visibility. Aggregate traffic from key TAP points and filter it before routing it to a security system like an NDR (Network Detection and Response), or IDS (Intrusion Detection System). Continuous monitoring ensures rapid threat detection and compliance maintenance. - Develop a robust incident response plan
Create a clear plan for identifying, containing, and resolving threats. Regularly test and update the plan to ensure it aligns with regulatory reporting requirements. - Ensure data integrity and availability
Protect critical data with secure access controls, anomaly detection, and regular backups. Ensure compliance by prioritizing data integrity and availability. - Perform regular audits and compliance checks
Schedule routine audits, ideally through independent assessors, to verify adherence to compliance standards. Address vulnerabilities proactively to demonstrate due diligence. - Employee training and awareness
Equip your team with knowledge of cyber security threats and best practices. An informed workforce plays a crucial role in maintaining compliance and responding effectively to incidents. Forewarned is forearmed!
Secure Data Access with network TAPs
Our secure network TAPs are purpose-built tools designed to meet the highest security and compliance standards, including ANSSI requirements. Globally recognized for their reliability, these TAPs ensure end-to-end security for network data access. We are committed to delivering top-tier solutions that prioritize safety and support your cyber security compliance efforts.
Our TAPs include advanced features to enhance security:
- Copper TAPs: Ensure physical isolation for unidirectional data flow, acting as a data diode.
- Fiber TAPs: Utilize optical data diodes to block light insertion from monitor ports.
- Active TAPs: Equipped with secured firmware to prevent unauthorized access.
- Tamper-Resistant Design: Security seals and randomized patterns safeguard against tampering during transit.
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Diode fiber TAP |
1-Link gigabit copper TAP |
8-Link gigabit copper TAP |
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Fiber TAP with diode feature preventing |
10M/100M/1G copper TAP |
High-density 10M/100M/1G copper TAP with diode feature protecting the network from data injection from the monitor ports. |
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Compliance is critical for companies operating within critical infrastructure sectors. Proactive measures, including deploying robust hardware solutions like Profitap secure network TAPs, are instrumental in fortifying cyber security 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 regulations.
