Elevating Cybersecurity: EU’s NIS2 Directive and Implications for African Trade Partners

### Elevating Cybersecurity: EU’s NIS2 Directive and Implications for African Trade Partners

The European Union has implemented the NIS2 Directive to bolster cybersecurity across member states, imposing substantial requirements and potential fines for non-compliance—up to €10 million or 2% of global annual turnover. This directive, which strengthens the original Network and Information Security Directive from 2016, is a beacon for data protection professionals, illuminating the landscape of regulatory obligations and their transcontinental impacts.

Professionals within African companies engaged in business with EU member states must understand that NIS2, effective from October 2024, emphasizes comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including management accountability, stringent incident reporting, risk management, and business continuity planning. Unlike the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which primarily centers on personal data privacy, NIS2 is dedicated to operational resilience, aiming to enhance cybersecurity collaboratively across the EU.

Key aspects of the NIS2 Directive include:

– **Enhanced Incident Reporting**: Organizations must report incidents within 24 hours, more stringent than GDPR’s 72-hour requirement.
– **Management Liability**: For the first time, executives hold personal accountability for cybersecurity breaches, with penalties reaching €7 million or 1.4% of global turnover.
– **National Enforcement Variations**: Each EU country enforces NIS2 and may add penalties, increasing risks for non-compliance.

As a data protection expert, acknowledging NIS2’s broader scope is paramount. According to Ahmore Burger-Smidt of Werksmans Advisory Service, cooperation among EU states under NIS2 complements GDPR’s privacy focus, enhancing overall security posture. Notably, African businesses trading with Europe must adapt to these heightened cybersecurity demands, potentially increasing expenditure but significantly fortifying their security frameworks.

Yotasha Thaver from IDC MEA notes that while African enterprises may encounter escalated cybersecurity costs, the directive serves as a catalyst for strengthening trade security. For professionals, this translates into a pressing need to integrate sophisticated governance, risk management, and compliance systems to align with NIS2’s standards.

How do you perceive the balance between compliance cost and enhanced security in your organization’s strategic planning? Let’s discuss the evolving role of data protection professionals in navigating these regulatory waters.

https://www.itweb.co.za/article/eus-nis2-raises-cyber-security-bar-and-african-trade-partners-must-comply/raYAyMor1k97J38N