NIS2 Made Simple: What It Means for EU Businesses and How Veeam Helps

Cybersecurity isn't just an IT concern anymore—it's a key business priority that can affect everything from daily operations to a company's reputation.

Recognising the growing risks, the European Union launched a significant update to its cybersecurity laws called the NIS2 Directive, which officially took effect on October 17, 2024. This new regulation aims to raise the bar for cybersecurity across various essential sectors.

What's New in NIS2—and Why It Matters

NIS2 replaces the original NIS1 with more rigid, straightforward rules and applies to more sectors—18 in total—including energy, transport, healthcare, and digital services. It's no longer just about having some cybersecurity policies in place; it's about actively managing risks, being transparent about incidents, and keeping your business running even during a cyberattack.

A significant shift with NIS2 is the introduction of personal accountability. Executives and company leaders can now be held responsible if their organisation fails to comply. That's why NIS2 isn't just an IT issue—it's a boardroom concern. Organisations must focus on four significant areas: managing risks, transparent reporting, continuity during incidents, and strong governance. This often leads to increased cybersecurity spending, mandatory employee training, and more robust planning.

How Veeam Supports NIS2 Compliance

Veeam offers tools and technologies that naturally align with NIS2's key requirements. At the heart of its offering is the Veeam Data Platform, which includes backup, disaster recovery, monitoring, and threat detection features—all designed to keep data protected and operations resilient.

Veeam Security & Compliance Analyzer lets organisations run regular scans, identify vulnerabilities, and keep clear records of their security status to manage risks. Regarding incident management, Veeam helps companies build clear response plans and document actions—which is crucial for meeting NIS2's reporting obligations.

When disaster strikes, Veeam Recovery Orchestrator enables fast recovery through automated testing and execution of recovery plans, helping companies keep running even during a crisis. Veeam also takes a vendor-neutral approach, meaning businesses aren't locked into one technology provider. This flexibility supports NIS2's focus on protecting the broader supply chain and reducing risk from third-party dependencies.

Empowering Teams and Executives

One of the standout aspects of NIS2 is its demand for greater visibility and involvement from leadership. Veeam helps make that happen. Its tools can integrate with central security dashboards, giving decision-makers a clear, real-time view of how their organisation performs regarding data protection and cybersecurity readiness.

Veeam's platform is also designed for cross-team collaboration. Thanks to intuitive interfaces and shared tools, IT, security, and compliance teams can work together more effectively. The company has a strong track record working with governments and other highly regulated industries, offering reliable, proven solutions in environments where failure isn't an option.

Getting Started: A Practical Path to Compliance

With NIS2 already in force, organisations need to assess whether they're affected, review their current practices, and start implementing new security measures. Compliance is not a one-time task—it's an ongoing commitment to good cybersecurity hygiene and resilience.

Veeam provides both the technology and guidance to support that journey. From initial assessments to ongoing monitoring and recovery, it equips businesses with the tools they need to not only meet NIS2 requirements but also build stronger, smarter cyber strategies.

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At its core, NIS2 is about protecting Europe's digital backbone. It's a wake-up call for businesses to step up their cybersecurity game. And with the right partner, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Veeam's trusted solutions help companies turn compliance into a competitive advantage, making them more resilient, agile, and secure in an increasingly digital world.