Cybersecurity has never been more critical. With rising cyberattacks and growing reliance on digital infrastructure, governments across Europe are taking decisive action. In Portugal, the recent approval of the NIS2 Directive into national law marks a turning point. This regulation sets higher standards for security, accountability, and resilience—impacting thousands of public and private organizations.
But what exactly is NIS2, why does it matter, and how should companies prepare? Let’s explore.
What is the NIS2 Directive?
The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Systems Directive) is the European Union’s updated framework for cybersecurity. It replaces the original NIS Directive from 2016, expanding its scope and introducing stricter obligations.
The core goal is simple: to ensure a high common level of cybersecurity across Europe, reducing fragmentation between member states and strengthening collective resilience against cyber threats.
Who is affected by NIS2 in Portugal?
The scope of NIS2 is broad. It applies to both:
- Essential entities – including energy, transport, health, financial services, water, and digital infrastructure providers
- Important entities – such as postal services, waste management, manufacturing, and food supply
This means that thousands of organizations in Portugal—from enterprises to public institutions—are now required to comply.
Key Requirements of NIS2
NIS2 introduces strict measures that go beyond IT security, embedding cybersecurity into governance, operations, and strategy. Organizations must:
- Adopt robust technical and organizational measures to prevent, detect, and mitigate cyber incidents
- Report incidents quickly (within 24–72 hours depending on severity) to competent authorities
- Implement supply chain risk management, ensuring vendors and partners also meet cybersecurity standards
- Train leadership and staff, as boards and management are now directly accountable for compliance
- Maintain evidence of security controls and provide documentation during audits
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with NIS2 can have serious consequences:
- Financial penalties – up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover
- Reputational damage – public awareness of breaches and fines can erode trust
- Operational impact – possible suspension of certifications or temporary exclusion from critical activities
Cybersecurity is no longer a “nice-to-have.” Under NIS2, it’s a legal and strategic requirement.
Why NIS2 is an Opportunity, Not Just a Challenge
While NIS2 may seem daunting, it also brings significant advantages for organizations that act early:
- Enhanced resilience – stronger defenses and faster response reduce the impact of attacks
- Increased trust – customers, partners, and regulators will have greater confidence in secure organizations
- Competitive edge – companies that treat cybersecurity as a differentiator can stand out in their industry
How to Prepare for NIS2: A 3-Step Roadmap
Organizations have 24 months to comply, but the work should begin immediately. A practical roadmap includes:
1. Assess and Plan
- Identify if your organization is classified as essential, important, or relevant public
- Conduct a gap assessment against NIS2 requirements
- Define governance structures and assign responsibilities at the management level
2. Strengthen Defenses
- Implement technical controls such as multi-factor authentication, vulnerability management, and incident response playbooks
- Enhance monitoring with SIEM, EDR/XDR, and SOC services
- Secure your supply chain by embedding cybersecurity clauses into contracts
3. Test, Monitor, Improve
- Conduct regular training and awareness programs
- Perform simulations and tabletop exercises to validate incident response readiness
- Track cybersecurity KPIs and KRIs to demonstrate continuous improvement
How InnoWave Can Help
At InnoWave, we believe NIS2 is more than compliance—it’s a chance to reimagine security as a business enabler.
We help organizations by:
- Running NIS2 readiness assessments and building tailored roadmaps
- Supporting boards and executives in governance and accountability
- Deploying AI-driven detection and response solutions for faster resilience
- Designing cybersecurity frameworks that balance compliance with innovation
Our mission is to ensure that your organization not only meets regulatory requirements but also turns cybersecurity into a strategic advantage.
The approval of NIS2 in Portugal is a wake-up call for organizations of all sizes. With higher standards, stricter reporting, and stronger accountability, cybersecurity is now firmly on the boardroom agenda.
Those who act early will not only achieve compliance—they will build resilience, strengthen trust, and gain an edge in an increasingly digital economy.
Cybersecurity is now law. With InnoWave, it becomes innovation.
Written by Sergio Sa
