What is the NIS 2 Directive?
The Network and Information Systems (NIS) 2 Directive is a European Union-wide legislative framework aimed at enhancing cybersecurity by requiring in-scope organizations to strengthen their network and information systems. It builds on the original NIS Directive with updated requirements to address today’s evolving cyber threats. Unlike its predecessor, NIS 2 adopts a more comprehensive “all-hazards” approach, addressing everything from cyberattacks to physical incidents.
Who does NIS 2 impact?
NIS 2 applies to essential and important entities across sectors like energy, transport, healthcare, financial services, and digital infrastructure. If you operate in the EU or provide services to EU clients, you may fall within the scope of NIS 2 compliance.
Does this affect UK companies?
If your UK business operates in the EU or serves EU clients, you may fall within the scope of NIS 2 compliance—even post-Brexit. The Directive applies to organizations providing critical infrastructure or services to EU customers and may also impact third-party vendors in the supply chain.
How Mimecast can support your organization with NIS 2 compliance
1. Risk analysis & security policies
NIS 2 requires organizations to establish comprehensive security policies and risk management frameworks. Mimecast helps by:
- Multi-Layered Threat Protection – Blocking phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) attacks.
- End-to-End Data Visibility & Protection – Monitoring and controlling data movement to prevent exfiltration or insider threats.
- Continuous Security Assessments – Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities before they escalate.
2. Incident handling (detection & response)
Organizations must rapidly detect, contain, and report security incidents under NIS 2. Mimecast supports compliance through:
- Automated Threat Detection & Response – Quickly identifying and mitigating threats in real time.
- Mimecast Email Incident Response (MEIR) – Streamlining incident triage and remediation to reduce security team workloads.
- Integrated Case Management & Compliance Logging – Simplifying security event documentation and regulatory reporting.
3. Business Continuity & Crisis Management
NIS 2 emphasises ensuring operations continue during disruptions, such as cyberattacks. Mimecast provides:
- 100% Service Availability SLA – Ensuring continuous email access even during unplanned outages.
- Sync & Recover – Restoring mailboxes, calendars, and tasks after accidental deletion, cyberattacks, or system failures.
4. Supply Chain Security
Organizations must assess and secure third-party communications to prevent supply chain attacks. Mimecast provides:
- Advanced Business Email Compromise (BEC) Protection – Detecting fraudulent supplier communications using machine learning and natural language analysis.
- TLS & DANE Encryption – Ensuring emails remain authenticated and protected from interception.
5. Security Awareness & Training
Human error remains one of the biggest security risks—NIS 2 mandates security awareness programs. Mimecast offers:
- Targeted Security Awareness Training – Adapting education based on user behaviour and real-world threats.
- Human Risk Management (HRM) Insights – Identifying high-risk users and proactively adjusting security controls.
6. Security Testing & Auditing
Continuous security testing and auditing are required under NIS 2. Mimecast provides:
- Automated Security Assessments – Ensuring all policies and controls are effective.
- Integrated Logging & Threat Intelligence Sharing – Meeting compliance requirements while improving cyber resilience.
7. Cryptographic & Data Protection Measures
To ensure data security and confidentiality, organizations must implement strong encryption and authentication controls. Mimecast delivers:
- TLS 1.2 & 1.3 Encryption – Automatically encrypting emails in transit.
- DNSSEC & DANE Authentication – Preventing email spoofing and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
- PGP & OpenPGP Encryption – Providing advanced cryptographic protections with intuitive key management.
With Mimecast’s comprehensive solutions, your organization can be better prepared to align with NIS 2 requirements, strengthening overall cybersecurity readiness.
Key benefits
- Risk Visibility. Get unprecedented visibility into human risk within your organization, compiled based on user behaviour and real-world threats.
- Adaptive actions. Tackle unsafe behaviours with timely feedback and engaging training, delivered to those who need it, when they need it.
- Proactive controls. Mitigate human risk across your security landscape by proactively adjusting security controls to better protect users.
Want to learn more about NIS 2 compliance?
Speak to one of our experts today to explore how Mimecast can support your organization in navigating NIS 2 compliance.
Get in touch for a demo and personalized consultation.
Disclaimer: The above recommendations are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Organizations are encouraged to seek advice from their legal advisors to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
