The directive NIS2 and the regulation DORA put cybersecurity at the heart of business responsibility in the EU. For many organizations, 2026 is the year in which compliance is no longer a recommendation but an obligation with serious penalties for non-compliance.

And the scope is broad: NIS2 affects thousands of companies in critical and important sectors, while DORA sets strict requirements for the financial sector and its IT suppliers.

What they require, in short

Both frameworks go beyond "install an antivirus". They require risk management, leadership accountability and the ability to quickly detect and report incidents.

The core obligations

• Risk management for networks and information systems
• Reporting significant incidents within short deadlines
• Direct accountability and commitment from leadership
• Third-party risk management (especially under DORA)
• Resilience testing and business continuity

Obligation or advantage?

Companies that take a strategic approach turn compliance into a competitive advantage — trust in the eyes of customers and partners, not just a box ticked on a checklist.

Compliance isn't a cost. It's the proof that you're mature enough to be trusted with critical data.

SafeNet Sentinel specializes in NIS2 and DORA readiness — from gap assessment to full documentation and implementation. Get in touch with us.