UK NIS-D Changes Versus EU's NIS2-D
The UK has recently seen significant changes in its approach to the Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS-D), with the government enacting new legislation to enhance the country's cybersecurity posture.
The NIS-D is a European Union (EU) directive that aims to improve the security and resilience of network and information systems (NIS) across the EU. It applies to operators of essential services (OES) and digital service providers (DSPs), who are required to take appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to manage the risks posed to the security of their NIS.
In the UK, the NIS-D has been implemented through the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018 (NIS Regulations), which came into effect on May 10, 2018. The regulations apply to a wide range of sectors, including energy, transport, health, and water, as well as digital service providers such as online marketplaces, search engines, and cloud computing services.
Recently, the UK government has introduced new legislation to further strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities in line with the NIS-D. The Cyber Security Regulations 2019, which came into effect on June 1, 2019, extend the scope of the NIS Regulations to include a wider range of digital service providers and introduce new requirements for these organisation's to report certain types of cybersecurity incidents.
In addition, the UK has also established the Office for Cyber Security and Information Assurance (OCSIA) to oversee the implementation of the NIS-D and provide guidance and support to organisations affected by the regulations. The OCSIA works closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that the UK's critical national infrastructure is adequately protected against cyber threats.
The changes to the UK's approach to the NIS-D demonstrate a clear commitment to enhancing the country's cybersecurity posture and protecting its critical national infrastructure. By extending the scope of the regulations and introducing new reporting requirements, the government is taking an important step towards ensuring that organisations operating in the UK are better prepared to manage the risks posed to their network and information systems.
Key Differences Between UK NIS-D and the EU's NIS2-D?
The Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS-D) is an EU directive that was adopted in 2016 to improve the security and resilience of network and information systems (NIS) across the EU. The directive applies to operators of essential services (OES) and digital service providers (DSPs), who are required to take appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to manage the risks posed to the security of their NIS.
The UK has implemented the NIS-D through the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018 (NIS Regulations), which came into effect on May 10, 2018. These regulations apply to a wide range of sectors, including energy, transport, health, and water, as well as digital service providers such as online marketplaces, search engines, and cloud computing services.
The EU is currently in the process of updating the NIS-D through a new directive known as the Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2-D). The new directive builds on the existing NIS-D and aims to provide a more comprehensive framework for the security and resilience of NIS across the EU.
Some key differences between the UK's NIS-D and the EU's NIS2-D include:
Scope: The NIS2-D extends the scope of the original NIS-D to include a wider range of digital service providers, such as online marketplaces, online search engines, and cloud computing services. It also includes new provisions for the coordination of cybersecurity activities at the EU level.
Incident reporting: The NIS2-D introduces new requirements for digital service providers to report certain types of cybersecurity incidents to national competent authorities. These authorities will then be responsible for sharing information about incidents with other EU member states and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).
Risk assessments: The NIS2-D requires digital service providers to conduct regular risk assessments and take appropriate measures to address any identified risks. This includes implementing technical and organisational measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of cybersecurity incidents.
Cooperation and information sharing: The NIS2-D establishes a new framework for cooperation and information sharing between EU member states, ENISA, and other relevant stakeholders. This is designed to improve the ability of EU member states to respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents.
Overall, the NIS2-D represents a significant update to the existing NIS-D and aims to provide a more comprehensive and effective framework for the security and resilience of NIS across the EU. It is currently in the process of being implemented by EU member states, including the UK.
In Summary
The UK has recently introduced new legislation to enhance its cybersecurity posture in line with the Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS-D). The Cyber Security Regulations 2019 extend the scope of the existing NIS Regulations to include a wider range of digital service providers and introduce new requirements for these organisations to report certain types of cybersecurity incidents. The changes demonstrate the UK's commitment to protecting its critical national infrastructure and ensuring that organisations operating in the country are better prepared to manage the risks posed to their network and information systems.