NIS2: Is your cloud environment ready for it?
Do you use cloud solutions in your organization? Then you will be directly or indirectly affected by NIS2. In this blog, you'll discover what the directive means for your cloud strategy, which security measures will become mandatory, and how the right choices can make you not only compliant, but also stronger in the long run. Including a practical checklist and tips from Combell as your experienced NIS2-proof cloud partner.
The new NIS2 directive forces organizations to seriously strengthen their digital security — and rightly so: cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the impact of an incident can be significant.
Especially in a world where more and more data and processes are moving to the cloud, it is crucial to know where you stand — and what steps you need to take.
What is NIS2 and why is it relevant for cloud users?
NIS2, the successor to the original Network and Information Security Directive (NIS), aims to strengthen digital resilience across the EU.
This revised legislation imposes stricter cybersecurity requirements and significantly expands its scope.
Organizations in sectors such as energy, transport, healthcare, finance, digital infrastructure, and certain IT service providers are now subject to NIS2 obligations. Suppliers to these critical sectors must also consider the directive’s impact.
For cloud users, this means: it’s time to take action. The cloud offers flexibility, scalability, and efficiency, but without proper security measures, it also becomes an attractive target for cybercriminals.
So how can you ensure that your cloud environment is not only secure but also fully compliant with NIS2 requirements?
Impact of NIS2 on Cloud services
With the introduction of NIS2, cloud services are no longer seen as an optional add-on but as an essential part of the digital infrastructure — and therefore subject to stricter regulations.
Cloud providers and their customers will face heightened security requirements that go beyond just technical measures.
Shared responsibility and increased requirements
The directive emphasizes the importance of risk management, incident response, and continuity planning throughout the entire service lifecycle.
It’s crucial to understand that compliance responsibility is shared: cloud providers must ensure sufficient technical and organizational security measures, such as encryption, access control, and monitoring.
At the same time, customers remain responsible for securing their own cloud environments, including data management, access rights, and internal procedures. A ‘secure by design’ approach is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity.
Key security measures for a NIS2-compliant cloud environment
To meet NIS2 requirements, it is essential for organizations to equip their cloud environment with robust security measures.
Key measures include:
Together, these measures form the foundation of a secure and compliant cloud environment. And you don't have to set all of this up yourself — a professional cloud partner like Combell can offer you an ultra-secure environment.
Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud: which is safest under NIS2?
Or jump straight to the key differences between public, private, and hybrid clouds.
| Public Cloud | Private Cloud | Hybrid Cloud | |
| ✅ Advantages | ScalableCost-efficientFast innovation | Full controlCustomization | Best of both worlds: Flexibility and control |
| 🚩 Risks | Less control over data and infrastructure | Higher costs, less flexibility | More complex managementIntegration challenges |
| 🧑⚖️ NIS2 Compliance | Requires clear agreements with the provider | Easier to manage in terms of control and audits | Offers maximum control over risks within critical processes |
Tip
Can't find a provider that fits your needs, or are the imposed rules too restrictive for your company? Then it might be better to choose a local public, private, or hybrid cloud. To help you, we’ll match you with the right cloud solution.
Incident management and reporting obligations under NIS2
A key component of NIS2 is the obligation to report serious security incidents. When a data breach or cyberattack occurs that jeopardizes service delivery or data security, organizations are required to report it to the relevant authority within 24 hours.
Within 72 hours, a more detailed report must be submitted, including the measures taken or planned.
This obligation also applies to incidents in the cloud. Therefore, it is crucial to have an incident response plan, train employees, and set up communication channels in advance. Only by doing so can organizations respond swiftly and remain compliant during critical moments. Read more about the importance of Business Continuity.
Practical steps to start working towards NIS2 compliance today
Although the legislation will only fully take effect soon, now is the time to start preparing.
Some concrete steps:
A clear cloud strategy not only helps you meet legal requirements but also strengthens your business continuity and agility in the face of digital threats.
How to choose a NIS2-compliant cloud provider
Achieving NIS2 compliance starts with selecting the right cloud partner. Not every provider automatically meets the stricter requirements regarding security, risk management, and reporting.
When choosing, look for the presence of key certifications, such as:
- ISO 27001 – Information Security
- GDPR Compliance – Protection of personal data
A reliable cloud partner like Combell combines these certifications with transparent SLAs, 24/7 monitoring, strong data security, and other important measures and tools. This way, as a customer, you benefit not only from technical support but also from strategic guidance throughout your compliance journey.
DataScouts relies on NIS2-proof cloud hosting from Combell
As an experienced NIS2-proof cloud partner, Combell has over twenty years of expertise in cloud hosting. A local cloud provider doesn’t just advise you — they actively help you! We have our own support staff who can assist you in Dutch, French, or English. You can literally reach them day and night.
Unlike foreign call centers, our team addresses your problem immediately without going through a scripted support conversation.
Our customer DataScouts has been relying on our many years of experience for quite some time. DataScouts counts on the scalability and reliability of the Combell cloud.
CEO Ingrid Willems isn’t afraid to make a bold statement. 😀 Calling Combell a godsend? According to her, that’s because their data is in ultra-secure hands. "Combell ensures the necessary security and availability — and that's a good thing, because cloud infrastructure is not our core business," says Ingrid.
NIS2 as an opportunity for stronger cloud security
The NIS2 directive raises the bar for cybersecurity, but at the same time offers a unique opportunity to future-proof your IT environment.
For organizations using cloud services, this means:
Those who act proactively now — by partnering with a NIS2-compliant cloud provider like Combell, streamlining processes, and engaging employees — are not only building compliance but also strengthening trust among customers and partners.
In a time when digital security increasingly makes the difference, a well-secured cloud environment can even become a competitive advantage. And because you shouldn't miss that opportunity, Combell is here to help you seize it.
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