Jan 29, 2026
The regulatory landscape for digital security and resilience in Europe is undergoing fundamental change. With the new NIS-2 Directive and the DORA Regulation, the European Union is setting far-reaching standards that obligate companies to strengthen their IT security , implement comprehensive risk management, and respond professionally to security incidents. What at first glance sounds like additional bureaucracy offers companies crucial opportunities: Those who act now ensure compliance, strengthen their resilience, and lay the foundation for future-oriented digitization.
Background and Motivation
With the NIS-2 Directive (Network and Information Security Directive 2) and the DORA Regulation (Digital Operational Resilience Act), the EU aims to standardize the foundations for sustainable security and resilience of digital infrastructures across Europe. While NIS-2 applies across all sectors and significantly tightens security requirements for IT systems in critical and important sectors, DORA focuses on the financial sector and explicitly regulates the digital operational resilience of financial service providers.
Differences and similarities
- NIS-2 Directive: Covers numerous sectors, including energy, transport, healthcare, water, administration, as well as digital services and suppliers. Its aim is to significantly increase the protection of critical infrastructure and to standardize reporting requirements for security incidents.
- DORA Regulation: Addresses banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and ICT service providers in the financial sector. It requires comprehensive risk management, systematic resilience tests , and standardized reporting channels for incidents.
Both EU regulations share a common DNA: They strengthen IT security and establish clear requirements for risk management and incident reporting. For companies, the consistent implementation of the NIS-2 Directive and the DORA Regulation is a key prerequisite for ensuring operational stability, trustworthiness, and data protection. This makes compliance a strategic key for sustainable digitalization and competitiveness.
Who needs to act now?
The new regulations are no longer relevant only for large corporations. The threshold at which companies are affected is noticeably lowered – medium-sized businesses and specialized service providers must now also specifically address the requirements.
Affected companies and sectors
The NIS II Directive covers all companies classified as critical or important to the EU economy and society – including many previously unregulated IT and service companies. The DORA Regulation applies to all financial institutions and their technology service providers , in particular cloud providers, payment service providers, and providers of critical software solutions.
Special features for service providers in electronic payment transactions
Service providers in the electronic payment sector face specific requirements under the NIS-2 Directive and the DORA Regulation. The protection of sensitive data and continuous system availability are paramount.
Key requirements and challenges:
1. Seamless monitoring:
- Real-time monitoring of all transactions and system accesses
- Early detection and automatic alerting in case of anomalies
2. Incident Management:
- Clear, documented processes for detection, escalation, and reporting
- Central register and audit-proof logging of all security-relevant events
3. Regulatory documentation requirements:
- Timely and complete reporting of incidents to supervisory authorities
- Proof of implemented protective measures and regular inspections
4. Complex IT landscape:
- Integration and security of different systems and external service providers
- Efficient risk management across all interfaces
These measures enable service providers to build trust, ensure compliance, and guarantee the stable and secure processing of digital payments. Integrating regulatory requirements early on increases resilience and maintains operational capability in an increasingly regulated environment. Approaches to implementing the NIS-2 directive in Microsoft 365 can be found in this blog post.
NIS-2 Directive and DORA Regulation – Timetable and Validity
Dates and deadlines
- NIS-2 Directive: The national implementation into German law had to be completed by October 17, 2024 at the latest . From this date, the new requirements were binding.
- DORA Regulation: The regulation entered into force on January 17, 2025. Financial institutions and their service providers had to have integrated all requirements by then.
Steps for successful implementation
- Status quo analysis: Where do you stand today in terms of risk management, IT security and resilience?
- Gap analysis: Which requirements of the NIS-2 Directive or the DORA Regulation are already met, and where are there gaps?
- Action plan: Prioritization and implementation of technical, organizational, and procedural adjustments
- Documentation & Monitoring: Establishing a transparent, audit-proof record-keeping system
Risks of delayed adaptation
Failure to implement or delayed implementation leads to high risks:
- Fines and liability risks from regulatory authorities
- Reputational damage caused by security incidents
- Loss of business opportunities and customer trust
Requirements for Risk Management and Incident Reporting
The new regulations significantly increase the demands on organizational structure, processes and technologies used in companies.
Practical implementation of risk management and reporting processes
The NIS-2 Directive and the DORA Regulation require:
- Holistic identification and assessment of risks for digital processes and systems
- Development and maintenance of a documented risk management framework
- Defined processes for the rapid and structured reporting of relevant incidents (e.g., cyberattacks, system failures)
Operational resilience as the key to compliance
A key element of the DORA regulation is operational resilience . This includes:
- Simulation of realistic crisis scenarios and emergency drills
- Implementation of redundant systems and flexible restart plans
- Training and awareness-raising of the workforce
Managing risks in outsourced ICT services
Risk management plays a crucial role, especially when using external ICT service providers. Companies must assess, manage, and document the risks arising from outsourcing to ensure their own compliance.
Conclusion: The NIS-2 Directive and DORA Regulation offer an opportunity for greater security and efficiency
With the NIS-2 Directive and the DORA Regulation, the EU is tightening requirements for IT security and digital resilience. For companies, structured and early implementation pays off:
Advantages at a glance:
- Enhanced IT security and operational resilience
- Clear processes for incident reporting and risk management
- Increased efficiency through clear responsibilities
- Optimized compliance with regulatory requirements
- Minimizing liability and reputational risks
Ergonomics is your experienced partner. Our experts will work with you to analyze your current compliance situation, identify risks, and support the implementation of necessary measures. We offer monitoring solutions specifically tailored for electronic payment service providers, efficient incident management processes, and comprehensive risk management – always with a focus on the operational resilience of your systems. Through personalized consulting, in-depth technical expertise, and ongoing support, we ensure that you not only meet the requirements of NIS-2 and DORA, but also generate real added value for your business.
Ready for the next step? We support you in optimally combining digitalization, security and efficiency and making your organization resilient for the future.
