10 Key Measures to Ensure Your Cybersecurity Training is NIS2-Compliant

NIS2: A New Standard for Cybersecurity Training

The EU’s NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Systems Directive 2) has raised the bar for organizational cybersecurity, making cybersecurity training and awareness a legal obligation. NIS2 explicitly mandates that all employees, including senior management, undergo regular cybersecurity training. This sweeping requirement reflects a simple truth: the human factor is often the weakest link in security. In fact, 74% of breaches involve a human element, whether through mistakes, stolen credentials, or social engineering. To address this, NIS2 requires companies to build robust security awareness across every level of the organization.

For HR professionals  and enterprise leaders, the message is clear, compliance with NIS2 isn’t just about technology and policies, it’s about people. Effective training can drastically reduce cybersecurity incidents; studies show that organizations see significantly fewer phishing incidents and mistakes, with one survey finding 80% of companies reporting reduced phishing risk after awareness training. Moreover, investing in training pays off: a recent IBM study found that companies with security training programs saved an average of $230,000 in data breach costs. In short, meeting NIS2’s training requirements not only avoids penalties but also builds cyber resilience and saves money in the long run.

How can your organization ensure its cybersecurity training is NIS2-compliant? Below is a structured checklist of 10 key measures. These measures cover who needs training, what topics to include, and how to manage your training program to both fulfill NIS2’s mandates and strengthen your security culture. By implementing these measures, you can demonstrate compliance during audits and, more importantly, reduce the risk of costly cyber incidents.

Table of Contents

• Include Leadership in Cybersecurity Training and Governance‍
• Provide Specialized Training for IT and Security Teams‍
• Implement Regular Security Awareness Training for All Staff‍
• Emphasize Basic Cyber Hygiene Practices‍
• Adopt a Role-Based Training Approach‍
• Prepare Employees for Incident Response‍
• Cover Key Security Policies and Technical Measures‍
• Encourage Use of Multi-Factor Authentication and Secure Communication‍
• Monitor and Measure Training Effectiveness‍
• Maintain Documentation and Continuous Improvement‍
• Final Thoughts: Building a Culture of Compliance and Security
  

NIS2 is a game-changer for corporate leadership. Senior executives and board members are now directly accountable for cybersecurity, and that includes being knowledgeable about cyber risks and defenses. Under Article 20 of NIS2, management bodies must not only approve and oversee cybersecurity risk management, but also participate in training themselves. This means your C-suite and directors should receive dedicated cybersecurity training covering:

• Regulatory obligations and liability: NIS2 training for leaders should explain their legal responsibilities, incident reporting duties, and the potential consequences of non-compliance. (Notably, NIS2 allows fines up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover for essential entities, and executives could even face temporary bans from management roles in severe cases.)
  
• Cyber risk oversight: Training should equip leaders to understand the company’s cyber risk profile and to integrate cybersecurity into overall business risk management. They need to know how to ask the right questions of their IT teams and ensure appropriate resources and policies are in place.
  
• Incident response leadership: Ensure management knows its role during major incidents, e.g. who declares an incident, how to coordinate with regulators, and how to communicate with stakeholders.
  

By involving top management in regular training, you create a “tone at the top” for security. Leaders who are informed and engaged will champion cybersecurity efforts across the organization. This fulfills the NIS2 governance requirement and helps build a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility.

Your IT department and cybersecurity professionals are on the front lines of implementing NIS2’s technical measures. These teams require advanced, specialized training to ensure they have the skills to meet the directive’s standards. Go beyond general awareness and provide in-depth training in areas such as:

• Threat detection and incident handling: NIS2 calls for robust incident management processes. Technical staff should be trained in monitoring networks, recognizing intrusions, performing digital forensics, and containing incidents. Regular drills or tabletop exercises can build competence, for example, running through a simulated ransomware attack to practice the response plan.
  
• Vulnerability management and secure configuration: Ensure IT teams know how to scan for vulnerabilities, apply patches promptly, and securely configure systems. Given that misconfigurations and unpatched software are common breach vectors, training should reinforce best practices for system hardening and change management.
  
• Secure development and procurement: If your organization develops software or manages systems, developers and admins need training on secure coding, code review, and testing. Likewise, staff involved in procurement or deployment of new technology should learn how to assess suppliers’ security (as NIS2 emphasizes supply chain risk) and ensure new systems meet security standards.
  
• Cryptography and encryption policies: NIS2 requires policies on the use of cryptography. Technical personnel should be trained on proper encryption of data at rest and in transit, key management, and using cryptographic tools correctly to protect sensitive information.
  

By upskilling your IT and security teams in these areas, you directly address NIS2’s technical mandates. This specialized training enables your experts to turn compliance requirements into practice, implementing the necessary controls and guarding against advanced threats.

One of the core requirements of NIS2 is to provide regular security awareness training to all employees. Cyber threats target everyone in the organization, so your training program must reach beyond IT and security teams to include staff at every level and in every department. Key aspects of an effective awareness training program include:

• Phishing awareness and email security: Phishing remains one of the top causes of breaches. Teach employees how to spot phishing emails, suspicious links or attachments, and CEO fraud attempts. Include interactive phishing simulations to test employees’ ability to recognize attacks in a safe environment. Over time, such simulations can dramatically reduce click-through rates on malicious emails, turning your employees into a strong first line of defense.
  
• Password hygiene and authentication: Emphasize the importance of using strong, unique passwords and securing them properly. Training should encourage the use of password managers and compliance with your organization’s password policies. Combine this with guidance on multi-factor authentication (addressed more in Measure 8) to ensure staff understand how to securely log in to systems.
  
• Data handling and classification: All staff should know the basics of protecting sensitive data. Include guidance on identifying confidential information, handling it according to your data classification policies, and avoiding unsafe behaviors like using unauthorized cloud apps or personal email for work data.
  
• Reporting and escalation: Make sure employees know how to report security incidents or suspected phishing emails immediately (e.g. using a “Report Phish” button or alerting IT). Prompt reporting is crucial for NIS2’s incident notification timelines. Through training, instill a no-blame culture where employees won’t hesitate to speak up if they click something suspicious, enabling a quick response.
  

Awareness training shouldn’t be a one-off annual checkbox. NIS2 expects regular, ongoing training. Consider short monthly training modules or quarterly workshops to keep security top-of-mind. By continuously educating your workforce, you cultivate a vigilant culture and significantly lower the risk of human error leading to a breach.

Cyber hygiene refers to the everyday practices and behaviors that keep systems and data secure. NIS2 explicitly mandates “basic cyber hygiene practices” for employees (Article 21(2)(g)), recognizing that even simple lapses can create openings for attackers. Ensure your training program heavily emphasizes these fundamentals:

• Secure use of devices and applications: Train staff on how to keep their work devices (computers, phones, tablets) and software up to date with the latest security patches. Outdated software is risky, at any given time, over 50% of mobile devices run outdated operating systems that may contain known vulnerabilities. Employees should also be taught to only use IT-approved applications and app stores, since shadow IT and unauthorized apps can introduce malware.
  
• Safe internet and email habits: Reinforce core habits like avoiding clicking unknown links, not downloading unverified software, and being cautious with email attachments. Many breaches start with something as simple as an employee enabling macros in a malicious Office document. “Cyber hygiene” training means drilling these safe habits until they become second nature.
  
• Physical security and workspace hygiene: Remind employees not to leave sensitive printouts or unlocked devices unattended. Teach basics like locking screens when away from desk, using privacy filters, and securing laptops when traveling. For remote or hybrid workers, include guidance on securing home Wi-Fi networks and using the company VPN.
  
• Preventing common scams and mistakes: Include emerging threats in your hygiene curriculum, for example, SMS phishing (“smishing”) warnings, social media scams, and phone impersonation scams. Also cover common errors like sending information to the wrong recipient or misconfiguring shared documents. Raising awareness of these everyday pitfalls helps prevent “low-hanging fruit” mistakes that could lead to incidents.
  

By ingraining basic cyber hygiene through frequent reminders and tips, you tackle one of NIS2’s focal points: reducing risk from routine human error. These simple measures, when practiced organization-wide, collectively harden your security posture.

While everyone needs a base level of awareness, certain roles in your organization require tailored training content. NIS2 expects organizations to implement training appropriate to different levels and functions (for example, Article 20 singles out management bodies, and Article 21 covers various operational roles). A “one-size-fits-all” training will not be as effective. Instead, adopt a role-based approach:

• Executive and senior managers: As discussed in Measure 1, training for this group should focus on governance, risk management oversight, and regulatory compliance. High-level workshops or briefings might suit their schedules, emphasizing strategic decision-making in cybersecurity and crisis leadership.
  
• IT and security practitioners: Provide in-depth technical training (Measure 2) on subjects like incident response, network security, secure configurations, etc. This may involve formal courses or certifications for your cybersecurity staff. It’s crucial these specialists stay current on threats and defenses, consider encouraging participation in security conferences or advanced certifications to meet NIS2’s skill requirements.
  
• Procurement, supply chain, and vendor management: NIS2 places new importance on supply chain security, so employees who select and manage vendors need training on third-party risk. They should learn how to vet a supplier’s security practices, what clauses to include in contracts, and how to monitor suppliers for cyber incidents. By training this group, you address NIS2’s mandate to manage supply-chain cyber risks (Article 21(2)(d)).
  
• General staff (by department): Tailor examples and emphasis to the context of different departments. For instance, finance and HR personnel might get extra training on protecting financial data and personal information from phishing or fraud. Developers might receive secure coding awareness. Customer-facing teams might be trained on privacy and spotting social engineering attempts from outsiders. Aligning training content with an employee’s daily responsibilities makes it more relevant and engaging, and therefore more likely to influence behavior.
  

By mapping NIS2 requirements to specific roles, you ensure that each team learns the security practices most applicable to their work. This targeted approach prevents overload (employees aren’t bogged down with irrelevant information) and closes knowledge gaps in high-risk areas. Role-based training is an efficient way to fulfill NIS2’s comprehensive scope, which spans everyone from the boardroom to the supply room.

Even with the best preventive measures, security incidents can still occur. That’s why NIS2 not only requires incident response plans, but also that staff are trained and prepared to execute those plans. A key measure of NIS2-compliant training is making sure every employee knows their role in a cyber incident and can act swiftly and effectively. Key steps include:

• Incident response plan awareness: All employees should be introduced to your organization’s incident response process. At minimum, they must know how to report a suspected cybersecurity incident immediately (e.g. who to call or which system to log the report in). They should also understand what types of events count as security incidents that need reporting. Encourage a mindset of “see something, say something” for cybersecurity.
  
• Defined roles and responsibilities: Ensure that specific teams (IT, security, communications, etc.) have detailed training on their duties during an incident. For example, IT staff might need to practice isolating affected systems or restoring from backups (aligning with NIS2’s business continuity requirements), while PR/communications might need training on handling public disclosures. Clarify these roles in advance through training and documentation.
  
• Simulation exercises and drills: Conduct regular simulations, such as fire-drill style exercises or tabletop scenarios, to test your incident response plan and your team’s readiness. For instance, you can simulate a data breach or ransomware attack and walk through the response steps. These exercises not only reinforce training (by letting people practice in a safe environment) but also often reveal gaps or confusion that you can address. NIS2 sets tight incident reporting timelines (e.g. an initial notification within 24 hours of a major incident), so practicing under time pressure is valuable.
  
• Business continuity training: Major incidents can disrupt operations, so include training on your business continuity plans. Relevant staff should know how to initiate backup systems, switch to manual procedures if needed, and generally “keep the lights on” during a cyber crisis. Regular drills for IT on restoring from backups, for example, ensure that data recovery will go smoothly if needed (and that it meets NIS2’s requirements for data integrity and availability).
  

By preparing employees and teams through such hands-on training, you not only comply with NIS2’s incident response obligations, but also sharpen your organizational resilience. In the event of a real attack, trained employees will be far less likely to panic or make mistakes, and more likely to contain the damage quickly.

NIS2 compliance entails implementing a range of security policies and technical controls, from access management to encryption to asset inventory. But policies on paper don’t suffice; employees must be trained to understand and follow them. Ensure your training program covers the essential policies and measures that NIS2 expects you to have:

• Risk assessment and security policies: Teach staff about your organization’s Information Security Policy and any risk assessment procedures. For example, employees should know if there’s a policy on approving new software or reporting vulnerabilities, and why those policies exist. Embedding policy awareness in training helps in making security procedures part of daily routine rather than obscure documents.
  
• Access control and data access policies: Reinforce the principle of least privilege, employees should only access data and systems necessary for their role. Training should cover your procedures for requesting elevated access, how to handle privileged credentials, and the importance of not sharing accounts. NIS2 requires strict access controls and an overview of assets and their usage, so ensure people are aware of data classification levels and clearance required for sensitive information.
  
• Encryption and device security: If your organization has policies about encrypting laptops, emails, or USB drives, include those in training. Demonstrate how employees can easily comply (e.g. using built-in disk encryption, sending sensitive files via approved secure methods). NIS2’s emphasis on cryptography means staff should appreciate why certain data must be encrypted and know the correct procedures (rather than, say, emailing a password spreadsheet unencrypted).
  
• Secure development and change management: For technical teams, incorporate training on your secure development lifecycle policies and change management controls. Developers and system admins should understand procedures for code review, security testing, and timely patch deployment. This ties back to NIS2’s requirements for secure system acquisition, development, and vulnerability handling, all of which hinge on employees following defined processes.
  
• Supplier and third-party security policies: As part of supply chain risk management, train the relevant staff on any policies for vetting and monitoring vendors. This could include steps like conducting supplier security assessments or requiring suppliers to adhere to certain standards. When employees know the rules (for instance, never outsourcing a function to a tech vendor without a security review), they can help enforce supply chain security as NIS2 intends.
  

In short, training should operationalize your cybersecurity policies. Rather than just handing employees a policy document to sign, use training sessions to explain the “how” and “why” of those rules. This not only aids compliance (proving that you have communicated required measures to your staff), but also improves adherence, employees are more likely to follow policies they actually understand.

Technical defenses like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encryption are cornerstones of modern cybersecurity, and NIS2 underscores their importance. Article 21 specifically highlights measures such as MFA, “continuous authentication,” and secure voice, video, and text communications where appropriate. Implementing these technologies is crucial, but it’s equally important that your users are trained and encouraged to use them correctly:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure that your training explains how MFA works and why the company is requiring it. Users should be guided through the setup of authenticators (apps, tokens, etc.) and taught best practices (e.g. never approving an MFA push notification you didn’t initiate). Emphasize that MFA drastically reduces account breaches, for instance, even if a password is phished, an attacker likely can’t get in without the second factor. By educating users, you’ll get higher buy-in and fewer attempts to bypass MFA.
  
• Secure communications tools: If your organization provides encrypted email, secure messaging platforms, or other protected communication channels, include training on their use. Employees should know when and how to use these tools for sensitive communications. For example, teach staff to use the approved encrypted messaging app for sharing confidential client data, rather than consumer apps. NIS2 expects measures like encrypted internal communications and secure emergency systems; training ensures employees actually adopt these tools in practice.
  
• Remote work security: As part of secure communications, train remote and traveling employees on using VPNs or secure remote desktop tools. They should understand the dangers of public Wi-Fi and how using company-provided secure channels protects data in transit.
  
• Continuous authentication and monitoring: While more behind-the-scenes, if your security team deploys continuous authentication or monitoring (for instance, systems that flag anomalous user behavior or require re-authentication under certain conditions), let employees know. Training can cover what users might experience (such as being asked to re-login if behavior deviates) so that they aren’t confused and will comply willingly. This transparency helps integrate advanced security measures smoothly into daily workflows.
  

This measure is about marrying human behavior with technical controls. You can have the strongest authentication and encryption solutions, but if users find workarounds or don’t understand them, those tools lose effectiveness. Through training and clear communication, you ensure that security technologies are actually utilized to their full potential, as envisioned by NIS2’s requirements.

How do you know your cybersecurity training is working? NIS2 expects organizations not only to implement measures, but also to evaluate their effectiveness on an ongoing basis. In the context of training, this means you should monitor human risk factors and continuously assess how well your workforce is prepared. Several practices can help measure and improve the impact of your training program:

• Phishing simulations and testing: Conduct periodic phishing email tests to gauge employees’ vigilance. Track metrics such as click-through rates on fake phishing emails and reporting rates (who clicked vs. who reported the phish). Over time, you want to see clicks go down and reports go up, a sign that awareness training is translating into behavior change. If certain individuals or departments consistently fall for tests, that’s an indicator to provide additional targeted training (often called “repeat offender” training). These simulations essentially provide a Behavioral Risk Score for your organization’s human factor, spotlighting where risk is highest.
  
• Knowledge checks and quizzes: After training modules, include short quizzes or interactive challenges. This reinforces learning and also gives you data on comprehension. If many employees miss questions on a particular topic (say, how to recognize a secure URL or what to do in a ransomware incident), you can revisit that topic in future sessions.
  
• Tracking completion and participation: Maintain records of who has completed required training modules, who attended workshops, etc. NIS2 compliance audits may ask for evidence that training is being carried out regularly. A learning management system (LMS) or even simple spreadsheets can help track this. Follow up with any employees who miss training to ensure 100% participation. High completion rates with timely frequency (e.g. all staff took their quarterly training) demonstrate a strong compliance posture.
  
• Surveys and feedback: Consider surveying employees on the training program, Do they find it relevant? Do they feel more confident spotting threats?, and solicit suggestions. Engaging employees in this way can provide qualitative insight into effectiveness and uncover areas to improve. It also reinforces to staff that the organization is serious about continuous improvement in security.
  
• Human risk metrics in reporting: Present summary metrics to management (e.g. in quarterly risk reports or dashboards) about the human element: phishing test results, training completion rates, and any real incidents caused by user error. Over time, these metrics should show improvement. Management attention to these reports will further ensure accountability and support for the training program.
  

By actively measuring training outcomes, you close the loop on your NIS2 compliance efforts. This approach turns training from a checkbox activity into a data-driven process that can adapt and get better. It also provides tangible proof for regulators (and your own leadership) that your cybersecurity awareness initiatives are effective in reducing human risk, the ultimate goal of the directive’s training requirement.

Finally, to be fully NIS2-compliant, it’s not enough to do the training, you must document it and continuously refine it. Regulators or auditors may request evidence of your cybersecurity training activities and their alignment with NIS2. Moreover, the threat landscape is always evolving, so your training program should evolve too. Here’s how to address this measure:

• Keep thorough records: Document each training session, including date, topics covered, attendees, and results of any assessments. Retain copies of training materials, slides, and any certificates issued to employees upon completion. These records can serve as official proof of compliance during audits or inspections. For instance, maintain a ledger of quarterly security training sessions or an exportable report from your training platform that shows completion stats.
  
• Certification of completion: Consider providing employees (especially managers and IT staff) with certificates after completing key training courses. Not only does this motivate learners, but it also gives you additional artifacts to demonstrate compliance. Certificates can be kept on file to show that, say, all executives completed “NIS2 Essential Training” covering their obligations.
  
• Review and update training content regularly: Cybersecurity is a fast-moving field, new threats like novel phishing scams or zero-day exploits emerge frequently. Review your training content at least annually (if not more often) to add new threat information and retire outdated advice. Also update it whenever there are changes in relevant laws or internal policies. For example, if a new national guideline under NIS2 appears, integrate it into the curriculum. Continuous improvement ensures your training stays effective and relevant.
  
• Learn from incidents and audits: If your organization experiences a security incident, perform a post-mortem to identify any human factors that contributed. Use those lessons to adjust your training. Similarly, if an audit or risk assessment finds gaps in employee knowledge, treat that as feedback to enhance certain training modules. NIS2 compliance is an ongoing journey, and showing a cycle of improvement can be viewed favorably by regulators.
  
• Audit readiness: Align your documentation with NIS2’s specific clauses. For example, Article 21(2) lists various security measures (from (a) to (j)); you might organize your training records to clearly indicate which sessions covered which clause (e.g. a training on incident handling covers Article 21(2)(b), a module on cyber hygiene covers 21(2)(g), etc.). Mapping training to the directive in this way can make it straightforward to demonstrate compliance point-by-point if asked.
  

In essence, treat your cybersecurity training program as a living, auditable process. The combination of well-documented evidence and a cycle of updates shows that your organization not only meets the NIS2 requirements at a moment in time, but is committed to maintaining compliance and cyber readiness over the long haul.

Aligning your cybersecurity training with NIS2 is not just a regulatory exercise, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your organization’s overall security culture. By implementing these 10 key measures, you ensure that every layer of the organization, from the boardroom to new hires, is engaged in protecting the enterprise. NIS2 compliance will naturally follow when security awareness becomes ingrained in daily business practices.

For HR professionals and business leaders, this initiative also demonstrates a duty of care. You are equipping your people with knowledge that empowers them and protects the business. For IT managers, a NIS2-compliant training program provides assurance that the “human firewall” is robust, complementing your technical defenses. The payoff is tangible: fewer incidents, faster response, and mitigation of that 74% “human element” risk factor.

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves and regulators worldwide increasingly emphasize human-centric security measures, investing in comprehensive training is a wise strategic move. It reduces the likelihood of devastating breaches and avoids hefty fines and legal liabilities associated with non-compliance. More importantly, it fosters a workforce that is vigilant, informed, and resilient against cyber threats. In today’s environment, cybersecurity is everyone’s job, and with the NIS2 Directive now in effect, it’s also a job requirement.

By following the steps outlined above and continually refining your approach, you can confidently say that your cybersecurity training program is not only NIS2-compliant but truly effective. It will help your organization stay one step ahead of cyber threats, turning compliance into an opportunity to build a stronger, security-aware enterprise.

FAQ

What is NIS2 and why does it require employee cybersecurity training?

The NIS2 Directive is an EU-wide regulation that mandates enhanced cybersecurity practices across essential and important entities. It requires all employees, including top management, to undergo regular cybersecurity training to reduce human-related security risks, improve resilience, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Who should receive NIS2-compliant cybersecurity training?

Everyone in the organization must be trained, including executives, general staff, IT teams, procurement officers, and third-party managers. NIS2 emphasizes a role-based approach to ensure relevant and effective training across all departments.

How often should cybersecurity training be conducted under NIS2?

NIS2 expects regular and ongoing training rather than one-off annual sessions. Organizations should implement continuous education strategies like monthly microlearning, quarterly workshops, and periodic phishing simulations.

How can we measure the effectiveness of our cybersecurity training?

Effectiveness can be measured through phishing simulations, knowledge quizzes, training completion tracking, employee feedback, and regular reporting of human risk metrics. These help identify gaps and improve training programs.

What documentation is required to demonstrate NIS2 training compliance?

Organizations must maintain records of training sessions, attendance, completion certificates, assessment results, and updates to the training curriculum. Aligning documentation with NIS2 clauses ensures audit readiness and proof of compliance.