NIS-2 ready: the new cybersecurity seal of approval

With the entry into force of the German implementation act for the NIS 2 Directive, cybersecurity has finally arrived where it belongs: at the executive management level. Many organisations and public authorities are now faced with the task of reviewing their security standards and making verifiable adjustments.

Those who take this step systematically and become 'NIS-2 ready' strengthen their resilience against cyber attacks and position themselves as reliable partners within increasingly regulated supply chains. Being 'NIS-2 ready' means that a company has implemented the essential requirements of the NIS 2 Directive and can verifiably demonstrate its security standards (more on this later).

This transforms a legal requirement into an unofficial seal of quality for greater cybersecurity in Europe: achieving NIS-2 readiness demonstrates a holistic approach to security, governance, and risk management, sending a clear signal to customers, partners, and supervisory authorities.

💡 Tip: We have summarised why this law is so important, who is affected by NIS 2, which requirements apply now, and how companies can prepare in a separate overview article on the NIS 2 Directive.

What does 'NIS-2 ready' mean?

'NIS-2 ready' describes the status of an organisation that has translated the central requirements of the EU Directive into structures, processes, and technology. Typical components include:

• Risk management for critical systems and information.

• Clear incident response and reporting processes that align with statutory deadlines.

• Defined responsibilities and decision-making paths up to management level.

• Inclusion of the supply chain in security and compliance assessments.

• Regular audits, checks, and training.

These elements are not new. They have formed the basis of solid information security for years. However, NIS 2 elevates them to a new level of obligation – and anchors them in an expanded legal framework that covers significantly more companies and sectors than the previous NIS implementation.

At the same time, the threat landscape in Europe has intensified. From ransomware attacks to phishing campaigns, companies and public authorities are constantly exposed to new threats. A proactive stance on cybersecurity is therefore not just a matter of compliance, but also essential protection for business continuity.

Alignment with established standards

Seals of quality and certificates play a central role when searching for trustworthy partners or solutions in the field of cyber security. The most prominent examples are arguably:

• ISO 27001: This international standard for information security management systems (ISMS) is globally recognised and defines best practices for risk mitigation.

• BSI C5: The catalogue from Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security specifies security criteria for cloud services and provides clear evidence of adequate protective measures.

• Regular Audits: Organisations that regularly undergo independent audits demonstrate a high level of transparency and commitment to security.

The 'NIS-2 ready' designation will also become such a feature in the future, serving as a guide for customers. It combines aspects of existing IT security standards and shows that organisations are seriously addressing the latest regulatory requirements. Those unable to demonstrate this status risk falling behind the competition.

How to recognise NIS-2 readiness

Whether a company is 'NIS-2 ready' is evident in several areas of daily operations. Key characteristics include:

• Structured cyber risk management: Critical processes, systems, and information are identified; associated risks are regularly assessed and prioritised.

• Clear governance and responsibilities: Roles for information security and compliance are established; it is traceable who makes which decisions.

• Defined incident and reporting processes: Security incidents are detected, handled according to fixed procedures and, if necessary, reported within statutory deadlines.

• Supply chain integration: Service providers and suppliers with security relevance are selected according to clear criteria, contractually bound, and regularly assessed.

• Regular audits and awareness: Measures and controls are reviewed, and employees receive targeted training appropriate to their role in the company.

These characteristics create a picture that can be managed internally and communicated externally – for instance, to supervisory authorities, customers, or partners.

How NIS-2 compliance becomes a competitive advantage

With the entry into force of the NIS 2 implementation act, simply sketching out security measures is no longer sufficient. Customers, partners, and investors rely on companies that take cybersecurity seriously. Companies must prove how they manage risks and fulfil requirements.

Organisations that have achieved NIS-2 readiness can score points here:

• They can provide rapid and well-founded answers to enquiries from supervisory authorities, customers, and partners.

• They possess robust evidence of their security standards.

• With a robust security concept, the risk of data loss and cyber attacks decreases.

• They are capable of meeting requirements from tenders or due diligence checks without frantic rework.

NIS-2 readiness thus contributes directly to market positioning: those who can clearly demonstrate their security and compliance standards gain advantages in procurement, negotiations, and long-term cooperation. This creates a seal of quality based less on a logo and more on a verifiable level of maturity.

How FTAPI supports NIS-2 readiness

FTAPI can be a component in the areas of risk management and accountability within the NIS 2 strategy. The platform creates framework conditions that support NIS-2 readiness in everyday operations:

• Central, secure data exchange: Sensitive data and documents flow via defined, protected channels instead of uncontrolled alternatives.

• Logging and traceability: Processes regarding data exchange and access can be traced – an important basis for evidence provided to auditors, authorities, and partners.

• Standardised workflows and authorisation concepts: Uniform processes and roles help to consistently implement security specifications in daily collaboration.

• Secured emergency communication: An independent, encrypted communication channel is available if needed.

Conclusion: Why 'NIS-2 ready' is the new mark of quality

'NIS-2 ready' stands for a level of security and compliance that withstands regulatory requirements, keeps business-critical processes stable, and builds trust in the market.

Companies that reach this level of maturity and communicate it clearly are less dependent on ad-hoc reactions, increase their resilience, and improve their position in regulated markets and complex supply chains.

In a time when cybersecurity is simultaneously a legal framework, a business risk, and a management topic, NIS-2 readiness is developing into a new mark of quality – and a clear signal of how seriously a company takes its responsibility in the digital world.