10 key measures to ensure your cybersecurity training is NIS2-compliant

The NIS2 Directive is about to become a major milestone for businesses across the European Union. Far from being just another regulation, it represents a fundamental shift in how organizations must approach cybersecurity.

Rather than treating it as a legal burden, forward-thinking companies can transform NIS2 compliance into a strategic advantage. Let’s explore what this directive means for your training programs, and how to build a stronger security culture across your entire organization.

Why NIS2 Matters

At the heart of the directive lies one troubling statistic: 74% of data breaches involve a human element. Whether it’s someone clicking a malicious link, using a weak password, or falling victim to social engineering, people remain the most common vulnerability.

NIS2 directly addresses this issue. It elevates cybersecurity from being a purely technical problem to a board-level responsibility, emphasizing that employees are not just potential risks but also a company’s strongest line of defense.

What Is the NIS2 Directive?

Simply put, NIS2 transforms cybersecurity training from a best practice into a legal obligation. And it applies across all levels of an organization—everyone from the newest employee to the board of directors.

The stakes are high: violations can lead to fines of up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover, whichever is greater. Ignoring compliance is not an option.

The Three-Pillar Strategy for Compliance

To move beyond mere box-ticking, organizations should adopt a three-pillar framework: People, Content, and Process.

1. People

Effective training must be role-based. A one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient.

• Board and leadership: Now legally accountable, they must participate in training.
• IT and security teams: Require advanced, technical expertise.
• All staff: Need awareness training to build a strong “human firewall.”
• Supply chain partners: Also included under NIS2’s scope.

This ensures that every layer of the organization understands its responsibilities.

2. Content

Training must cover both cyber hygiene fundamentals and incident response skills.

• Everyday practices: recognizing phishing, using strong passwords, locking screens, and securing home networks.
• Incident response: recognizing issues, reporting them immediately, and following security team guidance.
• Tools and policies: correct use of multi-factor authentication and adherence to approved communication channels.

3. Process

Training must be measurable, trackable, and auditable.

• Use phishing simulations to measure improvement.
• Track two key metrics: fewer clicks on fake links and more reports of suspicious activity.
• Maintain detailed records of who was trained, when, and on what.

IBM research shows that companies with effective training save an average of $230,000 per breach. A strong process not only ensures compliance but also reduces financial and operational risks.

Building a Security-Aware Culture

Ultimately, NIS2 is about more than compliance. A robust training program helps create a security-aware culture, where cybersecurity is embedded into daily behavior and decision-making.

The payoff is significant: fewer breaches, reduced costs, and a stronger, more resilient organization.

So, the key question becomes: Is your training program just a compliance checkbox, or is it your strongest line of defense?