NIS2 Implications for the Healthcare Sector

Why NIS2 matters for healthcare

Protects sensitive data 

Healthcare organisations handle vast amounts of personal and medical data, and protecting this data is essential to prevent patient misuse and harm. 

Ensuring service continuity 

Cyber threats can potentially halt healthcare operations, jeopardising patient safety. NIS2 ensures you’re equipped to maintain critical services, even if a cyber incident occurs. 

Statista report shows that cyber incidents in healthcare have risen by 32% in recent years. With NIS2 compliance, healthcare providers can reduce this risk and maintain crucial services without disruption. 

Builds patient trust 

Strict cybersecurity practices help build trust, showing patients that their data is secure and prioritised.   

What’s changed with NIS2? 

With its expanded scope, stricter requirements, and new operational obligations, NIS2 goes far beyond the previous NIS1 framework. Here’s a look at the changes that healthcare providers now need to address. 

1. Expanded scope 

More healthcare facilities 

NIS2 now includes not only large hospitals but also smaller providers like emergency medical services. This expansion means that even small providers need to adopt stronger cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient information. 

New types of entities 

Medical device manufacturers and digital healthcare service providers are now included under NIS2, emphasizing the need for secure practices across the healthcare supply chain. 

What this means for healthcare providers: Regardless of their size, healthcare organizations must adopt enhanced security protocols to protect patient data and ensure continuous service. 

2. New obligations for operators  

Healthcare providers covered by NIS2 must also meet new operational requirements. These obligations go beyond just compliance—they are designed to build resilience, ensuring systems and processes can withstand and recover from cyber incidents. 

Enhanced cyber resilience 

Organisations must implement technical and organisational measures to ensure the continuous availability and integrity of healthcare systems. 

Regular testing and exercises 

Facilities are required to carry out regular penetration tests and cyber incident simulations. This proactive approach helps identify vulnerabilities early and prepares your team for potential threats. 

3. Stricter requirements to ensure data safety and service continuity 

NIS2 also imposes more detailed requirements on healthcare providers. These standards ensure that your organisation detects and responds to threats, and also maintains a high level of resilience against cyber risks. 

Detailed risk assessments 

Healthcare providers must conduct regular, comprehensive risk analyses to identify vulnerabilities and implement protective measures. 

Strengthened incident response 

Real-time monitoring and detailed procedures for incident detection, reporting, and management are mandatory under NIS2, ensuring quick responses to minimize the impact of cyber threats. 

Supplier security management 

Suppliers now play a central role in healthcare cybersecurity under NIS2. Healthcare providers must ensure that third-party vendors maintain security standards to protect data across the supply chain. 

Patient notification 

In case of a data breach involving patient information, healthcare providers must quickly notify affected individuals, ensuring transparency and trust. 

“NIS2 compliance isn’t just a checklist. For healthcare, it’s about integrating security into every partnership and every process. This approach will ultimately protect providers and patients.” — Miroslav Koren, Cybersecurity Department Director at ACTUM Digital.

4. Implications for healthcare facilities 

Meeting NIS2 standards has implications for your organisation’s resources, operations, and partnerships. The directive not only raises the bar for cybersecurity but also requires a re-evaluation of internal processes and investments. 

Increased investment 

Compliance with NIS2 requires significant investments in technology, training, and process updates. This upfront cost is necessary to meet the directive’s standards and ensure long-term protection. 

Greater complexity 

Cybersecurity now requires engagement from all management levels, with adjustments across departments to support stronger security practices. 

Closer collaboration with suppliers 

NIS2 emphasises the need for robust partnerships with IT suppliers. Healthcare facilities must work closely with their suppliers to ensure end-to-end cybersecurity. 

How healthcare providers can respond to NIS2? 

Implementing NIS2 standards involves proactive steps. By addressing these actions now, you can streamline compliance and avoid disruptions down the road. Here’s what healthcare providers should focus on. 

1. Map out your exposure 

Identify which NIS2 requirements apply to your organisation, particularly those related to risk management and incident reporting. If you operate across multiple EU countries, understand the specific obligations in each Member State to manage compliance across jurisdictions. 

2. Find and fill your gaps 

Even if you’re already NIS1-compliant, NIS2 raises the standards. Conduct a gap analysis to assess where your current processes fall short, especially in incident response and management. 

3. Budget for compliance 

Prepare for increased ICT costs. The EU estimates that existing NIS1 organisations could see a 12% rise in spending, while newly covered entities might face an increase of up to 22%. Start budgeting for the upgrades now. 

4. Strengthen supply chain security 

Evaluate each supplier’s cybersecurity resilience and address specific vulnerabilities. Update contracts to ensure all partners meet the same security standards, and conduct regular third-party security assessments for consistent protection. 

5. Train staff at ALL levels 

Organisation-wide cyber awareness is crucial. Regular training for all employees, from management to frontline staff, ensures everyone understands their role in maintaining cybersecurity. 

6. Collaborate with cybersecurity experts 

Working with cybersecurity specialists, like ACTUM Digital, can streamline the compliance process and provide guidance tailored to healthcare needs, ensuring that organizations are prepared for NIS2 standards without disrupting day-to-day operations. 

Prepare for a secure future in healthcare 

NIS2 compliance is an opportunity for healthcare providers to build a stronger, more secure digital environment. By investing in cybersecurity measures now, providers can protect their patients and ensure a safer future for digital healthcare. 

Ready to secure your healthcare organisation? Contact our cybersecurity team to start your NIS2 compliance journey.