What is NIS2?
NIS2, or the Network and Information Systems Directive 2, is an updated cybersecurity legislation introduced by the European Union. Here are the key points about NIS2:
Purpose:
NIS2 aims to enhance the cybersecurity and resilience of organizations providing critical infrastructure and essential services across the EU.
Scope:
NIS2 expands the scope of the original NIS directive, covering more sectors and entities. NIS2 affects over 100,000 large and medium-sized organizations across various sectors.
Timeline:
EU Member States are required to transpose NIS2 into national law by October 17, 2024.
Requirements:
NIS2 introduces stricter security measures, including risk management practices, incident reporting, and supply chain security.
Sectors covered:
It applies to organizations in sectors such as energy, transport, banking, healthcare, water supply, digital infrastructure, and public administration.
Penalties:
Non-compliance can result in significant fines - up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover for essential entities, and up to €7 million or 1.4% for important entities.
Reporting obligations:
Organizations must report significant incidents within 24 hours of becoming aware of them, with a more detailed report within 72 hours.
International impact:
NIS2 also applies to non-EU companies offering services within the EU.
Cybersecurity measures:
It mandates the implementation of various security measures, including multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular security audits.
NIS2 represents a significant step in strengthening the EU's cybersecurity framework, aiming to create a more resilient digital environment across member states.
Understanding NIS2 Applicability
Here are the key points to understand:
Scope:
NIS2 applies to organizations that meet specific criteria, such as those in critical sectors or those exceeding certain size thresholds (e.g., more than 50 employees and over 10 million EUR annual turnover).
Organizational responsibility:
If your company falls under the scope of NIS2, it is your organization's responsibility to ensure compliance with the directive's requirements, not the individual software products you use.
Supply chain security:
NIS2 does emphasize the importance of supply chain security. This means that if your organization is covered by NIS2, you should consider the security practices of your software suppliers and service providers as part of your overall risk management strategy.
Software security:
While the software itself doesn't need to "comply" with NIS2, organizations covered by the directive should ensure that the software they use contributes to their overall cybersecurity posture and helps them meet NIS2 requirements.
Risk management:
Organizations must implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to manage risks to their network and information systems, which includes considering the security of the software they use.
In summary, if your organization falls under the scope of NIS2, you are responsible for implementing appropriate cybersecurity measures, which includes carefully considering the security of the software you use. However, the software itself is not directly required to "comply" with NIS2.
Nubeprint and NIS2 Compliance
At Nubeprint, we understand the importance of cybersecurity and compliance with EU regulations. Our printer monitoring software is designed to meet the stringent requirements of the NIS2 directive, ensuring that your organization stays secure and compliant. Here's how Nubeprint aligns with NIS2:
Strong Data Security
Nubeprint uses advanced encryption protocols to protect all collected and transmitted data, meeting NIS2's emphasis on enhanced encryption.
Minimal Data Collection
We adhere to data minimization principles, collecting only essential printer-related information as recommended by NIS2 cybersecurity best practices.
EU Regulation Compliance
Nubeprint is fully compliant with EU data protection regulations, including GDPR and NIS2, demonstrating our commitment to European cybersecurity standards.
Regular Security Updates
We provide frequent security updates to address potential vulnerabilities, aligning with NIS2's focus on continuous risk management.
Incident Reporting
In the unlikely event of a security incident, Nubeprint has robust processes for prompt reporting, meeting NIS2's strict reporting requirements.
Supply Chain Security
By using Nubeprint, you're enhancing your own supply chain security, a key focus area of NIS2.
Risk Management
Nubeprint helps you manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with your printing infrastructure, supporting NIS2's risk management requirements.
Third-Party Audits
We regularly undergo third-party security audits to maintain high security standards and ensure compliance.
User Access Control
Nubeprint features robust user authentication and access control, aligning with NIS2's emphasis on secure authentication practices.
Business Continuity Support
Our monitoring capabilities contribute to business continuity by preventing printer-related disruptions, supporting NIS2's focus on operational resilience.
By choosing Nubeprint, you're not just getting a printer monitoring solution - you're investing in a tool that helps ensure your organization's compliance with NIS2 and adherence to best cybersecurity practices.
Printers and NIS2 Compliance
In today's digital world, cybersecurity risks extend beyond conventional computers. Printers, often overlooked in security discussions, play a crucial role in an organization’s overall cybersecurity. With the implementation of the European Union’s Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2), understanding and addressing printer security has become more important than ever.
Hidden Threats of Printers
Printers are vulnerable to a range of security risks, including:
- Unauthorized data access
- Network vulnerabilities
- Outdated firmware
- Weak default passwords
- Unprotected print jobs
- Malware infections
- Manipulation of print jobs
- Breaches of physical security
- Remote access vulnerabilities
- Data extraction from decommissioned printers
The Firmware Dilemma
The most common causes of unauthorized data access are generally network vulnerability, weak passwords, and data extraction, all of which we typically focus on. These issues are inexcusable as they indicate neglected security measures. However, there is a significant printer-related security risk that has a slightly different cause: outdated firmware. Unupdated firmware often contains known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. However, many organizations face a dilemma when updating printer firmware, largely due to cost-saving considerations.
Specifically, many companies use analog cartridges or toner refilling services, which essentially involve third-party vendors (not the printer manufacturers) buying certain printer manufacturer chips and toner from the “grey market.” They refill the cartridge and, to make it work, add a counterfeit chip. Printer manufacturers are aware of this practice, and to combat it, they periodically change the compatibility of toner chips with the printer’s firmware. Users of counterfeit products thus face a question: update firmware and lose compatibility with counterfeit products, or skip firmware updates and remain vulnerable to potential cyber attacks.
Improving Security:
Firmware updates are essential for fixing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security.
Cost considerations:
Updates may block the use of third-party or refilled toner cartridges, which are significantly cheaper than original manufacturer cartridges.
This conflict often leads to a choice between security (firmware updates) and cost reduction (using cheaper cartridges).
NIS2 Compliance and Printer Security
The goal of the NIS2 directive is to enhance cybersecurity within EU member states by setting strict requirements for organizations to protect their network and information systems. Printer security plays an essential role in achieving NIS2 compliance:
Risk management:
Regular firmware updates are crucial for managing and mitigating cybersecurity risks, which is a core requirement of NIS2.
Supply chain security:
Using original cartridges and up-to-date firmware contributes to a more secure supply chain, which is also a focus of NIS2.
Incident reporting:
Updated firmware often includes improved logging and reporting functions, facilitating compliance with NIS2 incident reporting requirements.
Continuous improvement:
Regular updates demonstrate a commitment to continuously improving security, which aligns with NIS2’s emphasis on ongoing enhancement of cybersecurity measures.
The Lexmark Solution
Lexmark offers a solution to the firmware update dilemma, aligned with NIS2 compliance objectives:
Cost control:
By using Lexmark printers and agreeing on cartridge prices beforehand, toner costs can be significantly reduced. This allows organizations to cut costs without compromising security.
Regular firmware updates:
This approach ensures that printers receive the latest security patches and features, enhancing overall cybersecurity.
Avoiding issues with third-party cartridges:
Using original cartridges eliminates the risks associated with third-party and refilled cartridge alternatives.
Optimized performance and security:
Regular updates maintain printer performance and security without additional costs.
Conclusion
In the context of NIS2 compliance, neglecting printer security is no longer an option. By addressing the firmware update dilemma and implementing comprehensive printer security measures, organizations can significantly enhance their overall cybersecurity. Lexmark's approach provides a balanced solution, enabling companies to maintain security, meet NIS2 requirements, and effectively manage costs.
Remember that in today’s interconnected world, any device, including printers, can be a potential entry point for cyber attacks. Prioritizing printer security is not just a matter of compliance – it’s about protecting the entire network and sensitive data from evolving cyber threats.