The connection between NIS2 (Network and Information Systems Directive 2) and digital signing is about cybersecurity and authentication, which are central elements in ensuring that data and communication between organisations remain protected against cyber threats.
Although NIS2 primarily focuses on strengthening cybersecurity in networks and information systems across critical sectors, digital signing is an important technology that can help organisations meet some of NIS2’s requirements.
How are digital signing and NIS2 connected
1. Authentication and Integrity
Digital signing is a technology that uses encryption to ensure both the authentication and integrity of electronic documents or transactions. When a company or organisation implements digital signing, they can ensure that the information they send or receive has not been altered during transmission. This is important for protecting data from manipulation or unauthorised access, which is a key focus in NIS2.
2. Legal and regulatory compliance
NIS2 requires organisations to take appropriate measures to protect their networks and information systems. Digital signing can be one of the tools organisations use to ensure that the electronic documents they handle are authentic and legally binding. This is especially relevant in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and energy, where legislation requires strict security and data protection.
3. Securing communication and transactions
Digital signing is essential for securing electronic communication and transactions, especially in critical sectors such as energy or healthcare. If an organisation is to comply with NIS2 and ensure that their systems and data are protected, digital signing is a valuable method for validating and authenticating both internal and external communication channels.
4. Certification and trust
The NIS2 directive highlights the importance of establishing trust in cyberspace. A digital signature serves as proof that a specific party has approved a document or transaction. In many cases, it may be necessary to use qualified digital signatures, which are certified and comply with the EU’s eIDAS regulation, to meet NIS2’s high standards for security and validity.
5. Protection of critical infrastructure
For organisations working with critical infrastructure (such as energy companies or the healthcare sector), digital signing is an important part of protecting systems from unauthorised access or manipulation. NIS2 requires organisations in these sectors to implement appropriate security measures, and digital signing is one of the secure technologies that can protect both data and systems.
Why is Addo Sign a good choice for businesses?
Addo Sign is a digital signing platform, and there are several reasons why it can be a good choice for organisations looking to comply with the NIS2 directive while also securing their digital processes. Here are some of the key factors that make Addo Sign relevant in relation to NIS2.
1. Compliance with the eIDAS Regulation
Addo Sign is a digital signing solution that meets the European requirements in the eIDAS Regulation (Electronic Identification and Trust Services). This regulation sets standards for electronic identification and trust services, including digital signatures. eIDAS supports the use of qualified electronic signatures (QES), which are necessary in many industries to ensure the legal validity of digital documents.
NIS2 requires organisations to implement adequate security measures to protect critical infrastructures and data. Addo Sign, which offers qualified digital signatures, helps organisations meet NIS2’s requirements for data and system protection, as qualified signatures provide the highest level of authentication and protection.
2. Data security and protection
NIS2 imposes high requirements for data protection and secure communication. Addo Sign uses advanced encryption technology to ensure that documents that are digitally signed cannot be tampered with. This means that both the integrity and authenticity of the documents are protected, which is crucial for meeting NIS2’s requirements for protecting networks and information systems.
3. Traceability and auditing
NIS2 requires organisations to document and demonstrate how they manage cybersecurity and risks. Addo Sign offers features such as full traceability and audit logs, meaning all actions related to digital signatures can be tracked and audited. This allows organisations to document how they safeguard their systems and data, which is important for complying with NIS2 requirements.
4. Efficiency and automation
NIS2 requires organisations to implement effective and scalable security measures. Addo Sign enables automation of processes such as signing contracts, approvals, and transactions. This reduces manual handling and the risk of errors while improving operational efficiency.
5. User-friendliness
NIS2 requires organisations to implement and maintain security solutions that are easy to use for employees and external partners. Addo Sign is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it possible for organisations to integrate digital signing without significant costs or complexity.
6. Flexibility and integration
Addo Sign offers the ability to integrate digital signing into existing systems and workflows. For organisations already using digital tools and processes, this means that Addo Sign can be seamlessly integrated with those systems while ensuring compliance with NIS2 requirements.
7. Legal validity
In many situations, legislation requires that documents processed digitally are legally binding. Addo Sign ensures that signatures created via the platform are legally valid, which may be necessary to meet the requirements of NIS2 and other relevant laws and regulations.
8. Scalability and adaptability
NIS2’s requirements for protecting networks and information systems apply to both small and large organisations. Addo Sign is scalable and can be adapted to the needs of both small and large organisations, enabling businesses of all sizes to meet NIS2’s security requirements.
Which companies must comply with the NIS2 directive?
How companies must comply with the NIS2 directive depends on their sector and the type of critical infrastructure they operate within. NIS2 applies to organisations that provide or support essential services that are vital to the functioning and security of society.
The primary types of organisations that must comply with NIS2 include:
1. Essential services
This includes companies and organisations operating in sectors considered critical to society, such as:
- Energy (e.g. electricity producers, gas suppliers)
- Transport (e.g. airports, railway operators, ports)
- Healthcare (e.g. hospitals, health institutions)
- Water supply and wastewater (e.g. waterworks, treatment plants)
- Financial sector (e.g. banks, payment providers)
- Digital infrastructure (e.g. internet providers, data centres)
2. Important services
NIS2 also applies to certain sectors that support society’s functions, even if they are not necessarily critical. This may include businesses in areas such as:
- Public administrations
- Postal services
- Security firms
- Telecommunications
Conclusion
Addo Sign is a secure and reliable solution for organisations looking to comply with the NIS2 directive while protecting their digital communication and documents. With its advanced security features, eIDAS compliance, and user-friendly interface, Addo Sign is a solid choice for ensuring legally binding signatures and maintaining the high cybersecurity standards required by NIS2.
Contact Addo Sign if you want advice on NIS2 and digital signing.
