NIS2 Compliance & ISO/IEC 27001: How Your Certification Paves the Way
The clock is ticking for NIS2 compliance. The EU’s comprehensive directive, along with its national implementations, is fundamentally reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, putting pressure on companies to meet stricter requirements. However, for organizations with an ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS), this does not mean starting from scratch — it represents a strategic evolution.
While NIS2 sets out what needs to be done, ISO 27001 — together with ISO 27002 — provides the operational blueprint for how to achieve it. Both frameworks share the same objectives but differ in scope and legal enforceability.
With ISO/IEC 27001, you’ve built a solid foundation, making NIS2 requirements feel like just rearranging the furniture. Compliance can’t be built on sand. Once it’s done right, changes are straightforward, and a certified ISMS becomes your greatest asset to meet current regulations safely and prepare for the future.
- Alexander Häußler, ISO/IEC 27001 Certification Specialist, DEKRA
Strategic Overlaps: Where ISO 27001 Covers NIS2
At its core, NIS2 requires robust risk management, incident response, and governance practices — the very pillars that ISO 27001 establishes.
Organizations with a certified ISMS already have a risk assessment methodology that largely aligns with Article 21 of NIS2. Their risk treatment plan and Statement of Applicability demonstrate a repeatable process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating cyber risks — exactly what regulators expect. What often needs supplementation is the focus on the impact on service recipients and interconnected services.
Similarly, ISO 27001’s incident management processes (Annex A.5.26, A.5.27) provide a framework to meet NIS2’s strict reporting deadlines. The standard mandates preparation, response, and post-incident evaluation, ensuring not only reaction but learning from incidents. More detailed guidance can be found in the various parts of ISO/IEC 27035.
Regarding governance, proper and comprehensive implementation of ISO 27001 requirements at the top-management level satisfies NIS2’s accountability requirements at the highest level.
Watch the Gaps: Where ISO 27001 Falls Short
ISO 27001 lays a strong foundation, but NIS2 raises the bar in several key areas.
While ISO 27001 includes basic continuity measures, NIS2 demands proof of resilience — often requiring a dedicated Business Continuity Management System aligned with ISO 22301.
From Framework to Compliance
Achieving NIS2 compliance does not mean starting over. It’s about leveraging your existing ISO 27001 infrastructure and closing the gaps strategically.
Conduct a Gap Analysis: Compare your current controls against the full NIS2 directive and national implementations. Identify where your ISMS already meets requirements and where additional or extended measures are needed.
Expand Your Framework: Broaden the scope of risk management, integrate relevant aspects of business continuity planning from ISO 22301, formalize supply chain risk assessments, and optimize incident communication protocols for regulatory timelines.
Verify Adjustments: Use practical checks, such as incident simulations, to ensure team readiness and process reliability under pressure.
DEKRA’s cybersecurity experts specialize in transforming existing ISMS investments into NIS2-compliant operations. We offer end-to-end consulting — from gap analysis and implementation to certification preparation — helping you turn regulatory requirements into competitive advantages.
Secure your business, protect your reputation, and ensure compliance. Contact us today for a tailored assessment.
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