By Nicola De Blasi, Chief Strategy Officer
The NIS2 Directive, adopted by the European Union in 2022, has created new compliance considerations for businesses operating in and supporting critical sectors. Designed to enhance the EU’s cybersecurity resilience, it imposes stringent requirements on organizations deemed vital to societal and economic functions. For Managed Print Software (MPS) providers, the question arises: Does NIS2 affect my business? Is compliance required by law or suggested as a competitive advantage?
If your MPS software company serves the Print industry without managing high-risk data, processing sensitive information, or playing a critical role in public services, you’re likely outside the scope of NIS2. However, understanding the directive and preparing for potential future implications can still provide significant advantages.
What is the NIS2 Directive?
The Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) is an EU-wide legislative framework aimed at strengthening cybersecurity across sectors essential to societal and economic stability. It replaces the original NIS Directive of 2016, expanding its coverage and introducing stricter obligations for compliance.
NIS2 targets two primary categories of organizations:
- Essential Entities, such as healthcare systems, energy providers, and financial institutions.
- Important Entities, including digital services, manufacturing, and food supply chains.
For companies within its scope, NIS2 mandates comprehensive cybersecurity measures, detailed risk assessments, and prompt incident reporting to national Competent Authorities (CAs).
Who Must Comply with NIS2?
Organizations fall under NIS2 if they meet one of the following conditions:
– Operate in a sector deemed critical by the directive (or by their national Competent Authority).
– Meet the medium-sized entity threshold of 50+ employees and €10 million turnover or balance sheet total.
– Are deemed vital to national security, public interest, or economic stability, regardless of size.
Why Managed Print Services Software Providers Are Likely Exempt
Managed Print Software serves the Print industry—a sector not explicitly listed as critical under NIS2. Unlike essential industries like healthcare or energy, Print is not typically tied to public safety or economic stability. While Print plays an essential role in business operations, it does not directly impact the public interest in the same way as critical infrastructure sectors.
Other factors also reduce the likelihood of inclusion:
- Size Threshold: Companies with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenues under €10 million are automatically exempt unless designated by a Competent Authority.
- Data Sensitivity and Risk: If your MPS platform primarily optimizes workflows and manages print resources without handling high-risk data or payments, you are outside the primary concern of NIS2.
- Public Interest and Critical Role: Services focused on commercial or business-to-business use cases, rather than public interest or critical infrastructure, are unlikely to be deemed critical.
What to Do if Your Business is Not Covered by NIS2
While NIS2 compliance might not be mandatory for your business, proactive cybersecurity measures remain critical. Below are steps to ensure you’re prepared for potential client requirements and future regulatory changes:
- Strengthen Cybersecurity Using Existing Certifications: If your business is already certified under ISO/IEC 27001 and complies with AICPA SOC 2 and CSA STAR, you are well-equipped to demonstrate cybersecurity resilience.
- Prepare for Client Demands: Be ready to address security concerns from clients in regulated industries.
- Enhance Incident Reporting Capabilities: Adopt NIS2’s reporting timelines as a best practice, even if not required.
- Monitor National Competent Authorities: Stay informed about updates to avoid surprises in regulatory changes.
Why Proactive Measures Still Matter
The principles behind NIS2—cybersecurity resilience, accountability, and transparency—are increasingly becoming universal standards across industries. Even if Managed Print Software providers are not legally bound to comply, aligning with these principles can offer tangible benefits:
– Build Client Trust: Demonstrating strong cybersecurity practices can differentiate your company from competitors.
– Prepare for Regulatory Changes: Aligning with NIS2 principles now can future-proof your business.
– Mitigate Risks: Robust risk management reduces your exposure to cyberattacks.
Next Steps for Managed Print Services Software Providers
If your MPS business determines that NIS2 does not apply, here’s a roadmap to maintain cybersecurity excellence:
– Leverage Your Certifications: Continue using ISO 27001, SOC 2 and CSA STAR as your cybersecurity foundation.
– Prepare for Client Requirements: Be ready to demonstrate your security practices to clients in regulated industries.
– Monitor Updates: Stay informed about your national Competent Authority’s implementation of NIS2.
– Adopt Incident Reporting Practices: Follow NIS2’s reporting timelines as a best practice.
– Invest in Employee Training: Ensure your team recognizes threats and responds effectively to incidents.
Conclusion
For Managed Print Services Software providers, NIS2 compliance is likely unnecessary unless the company meets specific thresholds or serves critical industries. However, adopting its principles can enhance your reputation, improve client relationships, and position your business for growth in an increasingly security-conscious market. By maintaining strong cybersecurity practices, monitoring regulatory changes, and staying proactive, you can remain ahead of the curve—ensuring both resilience and trust in your services.
