NIS-2 comes into effect: Why your company needs to act NOW

Introduction: NIS-2 — A wake-up call for your business

September 2024 addendum: The NIS-2 Implementation Act is delayed — the originally set deadline for implementation into German law of October 17 cannot be met. The law must go through several more readings and rounds in the Federal Council and Bundestag before it finally comes into force. According to current information, the delayed entry into force is planned for March 2025.

The new EU Directive on Network and Information Security, known as NIS-2, is due to come into force in March 2025. This directive is a wake-up call for many companies that have so far been rather weak when it comes to cybersecurity. But it's about more than just meeting regulatory requirements—it's about protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation.

Imagine that your company is a fortress. NIS-2 challenges you to modernize this fortress, strengthen its walls, and grant access only to those who are truly authorized. It is a necessary step that not only makes you safer but also more sustainable.

In this article, you'll learn why it's crucial right now to take your security measures to the next level, how you can design the process in your company, and why Bare.id is your ideal partner on this journey.

NIS-2: What does this mean for your company — and why should you act urgently now?

The NIS 2 Directive is not just another set of regulations that should end up in your drawer. It is a catalyst for change in the way companies handle their IT security. Here are the key points you need to know:

• Expanded scope: From wastewater to logistics companies to digital service providers, NIS-2 affects a wide range of sectors that were not previously covered by the Directive.
• Higher requirements: The policy requires more than just a firewall and a virus scanner. It requires in-depth security management that proactively detects and repels threats.
• Sharper consequences: Missed security measures can have serious consequences — both financially and for your reputation. NIS-2 provides for heavy fines and compensation claims.

So why should you act now? Because cybersecurity is not only a duty, but also a competitive advantage. Companies that adapt their security measures to the new requirements at an early stage position themselves as trustworthy partners and are better prepared against the growing threats of the digital world. In addition, you can assume that necessary safety measures will be more rather than fewer in the future.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a necessary measure for NIS 2 compliance

One of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). By combining multiple independent authentication factors — such as something the user knows (password), something the user owns (mobile phone), and something that the user is (biometric data) — the risk of a successful attack is significantly reduced.

The introduction of multi-factor authentication is no longer just a recommendation, but a necessity to meet NIS-2 security requirements. Companies that do not implement adequate authentication mechanisms are exposed to increased security risks and risk the penalties and consequences mentioned above. MFA not only protects access to sensitive data, but also strengthens trust in your organization's security infrastructure—a critical factor in today's threat landscape.

Where should you start? Overcome typical challenges when implementing NIS-2 multi-factor authentication

1. Does the implementation feel too complex?

Your challenge: The new NIS-2 requirements can be intimidating at first glance. Are you wondering how to implement all of this without interfering with your day-to-day business?

Our Approach: With Bare.id by your side, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is easy. Our authentication solution can be seamlessly integrated into your existing IT landscape without disrupting ongoing operations. This allows you to concentrate on what really counts: your core business.

2. Afraid of employee frustration?

Your challenge: Safety measures that hinder the workflow of your employees often result in frustration and lower acceptance. MFA is often perceived as a nuisance and is often circumvented whenever possible.

Our Approach: Bare.id combines secure multi-factor authentication and user-friendly single sign-on to make the login processes as simple but secure as possible for your employees. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies such as biometrics and one-time passwords, processes remain fast and seamless — without sacrificing security. Your employees will not see the new solution as a burden, but as a shield that has their back.

3. The costs — is that even affordable?

Your challenge: For small and medium-sized companies in particular, the costs of comprehensive security solutions are often a decisive factor. Are you wondering whether you can afford the necessary measures at all?

Our Approach: Bare.id offers you a flexible and scalable solution that adapts precisely to the needs and budget of your company. You only pay for really active users and benefit from a transparent pricing model without complex additional costs. Our solution also reduces the need for internal resources and ensures that you work securely and cost-effectively over the long term.

4. Compliance — how can I be sure that everything fits?

Your challenge: Compliance with regulatory requirements can be complex and confusing. How do you ensure that your company really meets all requirements?

Our Approach: With bare.ID, you're not only on the safe side — you're even going a step further. Our solution not only enables your company to be NIS-2 compliant, but also to comply with other relevant security standards, such as the GDPR. We make sure your security measures are always up to date so you can focus on your business while we take care of security.

5 concrete steps: How to implement NIS-2 in your company and make it future-proof

1. Start with a risk analysis:
   • Understand where your weak points lie. A thorough analysis shows you where the biggest risks exist and which measures need to be prioritized.
2. Revise your security strategy:
   • Adapt your existing strategy to meet the new requirements. Think not only of technical solutions, but also of organizational measures and training.
3. Train your employees:
   • Your employees are your first line of defense. Make sure they understand the importance of the new measures and are able to implement them effectively.
4. Implement the right tools:
   • Rely on EU security solutions and diversification to meet NIS-2 requirements quickly and reliably.
5. Continuously monitor and optimize:
   • Cybersecurity is not a one-time act, but an ongoing process. Continuously monitor your systems and adapt your measures to new threats.

Why Bare.ID Security, digital sovereignty, and independence — without compromise

Bare.id offers you the optimal multi-factor authentication solution that combines security and digital sovereignty. In a world where control of your IT infrastructure is becoming increasingly important, bare.ID ensures that you remain independent — without compromises and without unnecessary dependencies.

Hosted in Germany: Bare.id is subject to strict EU data protection guidelines, including the GDPR. For you, this means that your sensitive data is not only secure, but is also treated in accordance with the highest data protection standards. Your data remains under your control and is protected from unwanted access.

No dependency on third parties: A key advantage of Bare.id is our open-source basis and the use of open standards. This avoids the risk of vendor lock-in. You can be sure that you can design your IT infrastructure to suit your needs without being tied to a specific provider. This flexibility allows you to integrate Bare.id into your existing IT environment and make adjustments as needed without relying on the support of a single provider.

Bare.id therefore not only offers you a robust security solution, but also the freedom and independence you need to be successful in a dynamic and constantly changing digital world. Contact us today to learn more about how Bare.id can meet your security requirements while strengthening your independence.