Getting Ready for NIS2 with Lansweeper

On October 17, 2024, the European Union will implement the NIS2 Directive. Although each member state will develop its legislation based on this directive, the objective remains the same: enhancing the EU’s overall cybersecurity. Here’s how Lansweeper can assist you in preparing for NIS2.

Understanding the NIS2 Directive

The NIS2 Directive is an EU-wide cybersecurity law requiring each member state to integrate it into their national legislation to enhance the EU’s overall cybersecurity. Replacing the 2016 NIS (Network and Information Security) Directive, NIS2 covers a broader scope and addresses the increased digitization and evolving threats.

As the October 17, 2024 deadline approaches, be vigilant about NIS2 updates from your government.

How Lansweeper Assists in NIS2 Preparation

It’s well-known that you can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Meeting the extensive requirements of the NIS2 directive demands a comprehensive effort from all stakeholders, starting with a clear understanding of your IT environment. Here’s how Lansweeper can help:

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Through Full Visibility

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Effective cybersecurity begins with visibility. Lansweeper enables you to discover and monitor every IT, OT, and IoT device within your IT estate. Additionally, manage AD users and groups to ensure proper access control.

Lansweeper’s advanced discovery tools and risk insights facilitate risk analysis. Identify issues such as missing antivirus installations, lack of encryption, unauthorized local admins, outdated certificates, and software. Maintain an inventory of your backup agents and versions to ensure that backup and disaster recovery services are current and active.

In the event of a security incident, use Lansweeper to pinpoint all vulnerable machines. Visual diagrams help you see all connected devices that might be at risk within the same network segment.

Exploring Your OT Estate

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In industries under the NIS2 directive’s scope, operational technology (OT) is crucial. Unlike IT environments, OT systems are rarely patched or upgraded regularly, making them susceptible to cyberattacks.

Lansweeper’s OT scanner identifies and scans OT devices from prominent manufacturers. The detailed OT asset inventory provided by Lansweeper aids in planning and managing maintenance and protects against firmware vulnerabilities before they become issues. Lansweeper ensures your OT devices remain secure and up-to-date.

Enhancing Cyber Hygiene

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The NIS2 directive emphasizes cyber hygiene policies. Lansweeper discovers every device connected to your network and provides insights into data encryption, outdated software, unauthorized local admins, backup creation, user access, and more. The extensive IT asset and user data gathered by Lansweeper allows proactive management and reporting on weak spots and suspicious activities to bolster your security posture against threats.

Ensuring Compliance with Security Frameworks

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NIS2 is not the only cybersecurity framework. Adhering to other existing frameworks can further strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Many frameworks prioritize visibility into your IT estate and IT asset management, agreeing that you can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Lansweeper helps you comply with frameworks like CIS, ISO, and NIST.

Cybersecurity Beyond the NIS2 Scope

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Cybersecurity extends beyond entities within the NIS2 scope. Even if your organization is out-of-scope, NIS2 recommendations provide a reliable guideline for improving your cybersecurity posture. While large companies offering essential services may be more attractive to cybercriminals, even non-essential small businesses can benefit from robust cybersecurity measures. These measures protect against data breaches, financial fraud, and reputational damage, fostering customer trust, regulatory compliance, and continuous business operations.