NIS 2 – from regulation to competitive advantage
The requirements of the European NIS 2 Directive are part of the Bulgarian legal framework and set new standards for cyber risk management and organizational resilience. ASAP provides an end-to-end solution for achieving NIS 2 compliance – from initial assessment to the implementation of organizational and technical measures.
What is NIS2?
Network and Information Security
NIS 2 is a European directive on network and information security that establishes a common framework for cyber risk management within the European Union. It defines minimum requirements for the protection of information systems and incident response in organizations that are essential to society and the economy.
The directive builds upon the first NIS framework from 2016 and reflects the dynamic changes in the digital environment and the growing complexity of cyber threats. In Bulgaria, its requirements have been implemented through national cybersecurity legislation.
NIS2 covers both public institutions and private companies in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, banking, healthcare, digital services, and other key industries.
Understanding the scope and requirements of the directive is the first step toward achieving NIS 2 compliance.
What does NIS 2 change?
NIS 2 changes the way organizations manage security, risk, and resilience. The regulation sets clear requirements that affect both technological infrastructure and management processes.
Higher protection requirements
NIS 2 introduces stricter standards for the protection of information systems and network infrastructure. Organizations are required to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures aligned with real risks and the specifics of their operations.
Mandatory risk management
Security requires a formalized and documented risk management process. Threat identification, analysis, and treatment must be systematic, traceable, and preventive rather than reactive after incidents occur.
Resilience and continuity
The regulatory framework focuses on the organization’s ability to operate during cyber incidents. This includes response plans, recovery processes, and ensuring continuity of critical services.
Management accountability
Executive management bears direct responsibility for the implementation and control of security measures. Non-compliance may result in serious financial penalties, regulatory restrictions, and personal managerial liability.
Which organizations fall under the scope of NIS 2?
NIS 2 applies to medium and large enterprises operating in strategic sectors of the economy. Legislation divides them into two categories – essential and important entities – depending on the criticality of the services provided and their significance to society and the economy.
Essential entities
These are organizations with a critical infrastructure role. They are subject to stricter regulatory oversight and higher sanctions in case of non-compliance.
Important entities
These are organizations with high public significance. This category also has obligations for risk management and implementation of cybersecurity measures under NIS2.
Does your organization fall under the scope of NIS 2?
Even if your organization is not directly classified as an essential or important entity, you may still be required to comply as part of the supply chain.
To facilitate the initial assessment, we have created a short questionnaire to determine NIS 2 applicability.
If you answer “yes” to at least one of the questions below, the likelihood that the directive applies to you is high:
Our team can perform an expert applicability assessment and advise you on the concrete steps for NIS 2 compliance.
A structured NIS 2 compliance process by ASAP
NIS 2 compliance requires more than documentation. It implies a holistic approach covering risk management, organizational processes, and technical infrastructure. ASAP applies a phased methodology for achieving full NIS 2 compliance, ensuring clarity, traceability, and real risk reduction.
Our approach is structured in six sequential stages, each building on the previous one and leading to a clearly defined practical outcome.
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Stage 1: Applicability determination
We analyze your organization’s activities, size, and sector to determine whether you fall under NIS 2 and in which category. We clarify regulatory obligations and levels of responsibility.
Result: Clear framework of obligations and applicability.
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Stage 2: GAP analysis
We perform a detailed review of existing policies, processes, and technical infrastructure. We identify gaps against NIS 2 requirements.
Result: Actionable report with prioritized remediation actions.
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Stage 3: Risk management
We build a formal process for risk identification, assessment, and treatment. We apply a methodology aligned with international standards and the organization’s specifics.
Result: Structured and documented risk management system.
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Stage 4: Policy and procedure development
We develop the required internal documentation – policies, procedures, response plans, and business continuity plans. Everything is aligned with the real organizational structure.
Result: Regulatory-compliant and operational documentation.
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Stage 5: Technical implementation
We implement or optimize access control, monitoring, backup, segmentation, and network protection measures. The focus is on real risk reduction.
Result: Increased level of real cybersecurity.
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Stage 6: Training and audit readiness
We prepare management and teams for regulatory inspections through training, simulations, and internal testing.
Result: An organization ready for inspection and incident response.