Relationship between the NIS2 directive and IDM systems: How does IDM help with regulatory compliance?

Mónika Bikki

IDM systems support NIS2 compliance by managing access rights, ensuring auditability, and enabling quick incident response, helping companies meet regulatory standards.

Appropriate information security and data processing are essential for the operation of modern businesses, especially in compliance with strict regulatory requirements such as the NIS2 directive. The European NIS2 directive ((Directive (EU) 2022/2555) Network and Information Security Directive) imposes stricter requirements in the field of defense against cyber attacks not only for large companies but also for small and medium-sized enterprises. In this environment, Identity Management (IDM) systems play a key role as they ensure comprehensive authorization management, access control and compliance with various regulations.

Objectives and requirements of the NIS2 directive

The purpose of the NIS2 directive is to strengthen the Union's cyber defense capabilities, which includes the continuous and secure operation of critical infrastructures and services. The decree defines specific requirements for the management of security risks, incident management, auditability and compliance with cyber security regulations. However, these requirements cannot be met effectively if companies do not have an integrated IDM system that automatically ensures the supervision of all relevant processes.

The key elements of NIS2 are as follows:

Risk management and secure access management: The NIS2 directive requires companies to apply appropriate technical and organizational measures to manage cyber risks. IDM systems contribute directly to the fulfilment of these requirements with strict control of access authorizations and automated audits.
Incident report and response time: The NIS2 directive requires cyber attack incidents to be reported to the national cyber security authority within 72 hours. IDM systems enable the rapid detection of incidents such as unauthorized access attempts or incompatible roles (Segregation of Duties, SOD, VIK 2.59. Separation of Responsibilities)), thereby supporting immediate response and reporting.
Auditability and traceability: The NIS2 directive requires that all access events and security incidents be audited and documented. IDM systems can automatically log access changes and generate reports on user activities, meeting the audit requirements of the directive.
Proof of regulatory compliance: Evidence of consistent compliance with information security regulations.

How does the IDM system support NIS2 compliance?

IDM systems manage users' access rights centrally, thereby minimizing risks resulting from manual errors and ensuring transparent, audited operation. The regulation defines several important requirements that can be effectively met by introducing an IDM system. Below are some relevant requirements:

Access management and provision of authorizations

The regulation requires strict access control to ensure that only authorized persons have access to systems and data. IDM systems provide a comprehensive solution in this regard in the following ways:

Role-based access control (RBAC): IDM systems define on the basis of roles which users can access which resources. This facilitates the precise setting of authorizations and ensures that users only have the access necessary for specific tasks, in accordance with the requirements of NIS2 and with the access control expectations prescribed by the Catalogue of Protective Measures.
Reviewing accesses and keeping them up to date: The Catalogue of Protective Measures requires a regular review of access authorizations. IDM systems offer the possibility to automatically initiate scheduled reviews that record the control processes in an audited manner. In this way, authorizations remain transparent and continuously up-to-date, while reducing the administrative burden.
Least Privilege Principle: IDM systems implement the least privilege principle, which ensures that all users only have the necessary and sufficient access for their work. This reduces the risks if an account is compromised.
User lifecycle management: IDM systems automate all phases of the user lifecycle, including entry, modification and exit. This guarantees that the authorizations are always up-to-date, so a new employee only gets access to the resources s/he needs, while the authorizations of a departing employee are immediately deleted. This automation greatly contributes to maintaining cyber security and also increases the transparency required by NIS2.

Auditability and reporting

According to the NIS2 directive, companies must demonstrate that they are using appropriate security measures. IDM systems provide the possibility of auditing, i.e. all access events are logged. This feature makes it easy for companies to generate detailed reports on user activities, authorization changes and accesses, which is critical for regulatory compliance. It ensures audit compliance with the help of built-in functions, rules and reports.

Incident management and quick response

IDM systems effectively support incident management, enabling the immediate detection and management of privilege abuses and security incidents. These systems integrate seamlessly with corporate IT security solutions and monitor authorizations. Ensuring continuous data reconciliation and data synchronization for AD groups and other interface-related applications. They notify you immediately if any security incident (e.g. data discrepancy, unclaimed privilege setting) or incompatible role (Segregation of Duties, SOD) is detected, thus ensuring quick response and minimizing risks.

Additional advantages of IDM systems in complying with the NIS2 directive

The extensive functionality of IDM systems not only promotes regulatory compliance but also increases the company's overall cybersecurity maturity.

The IdMatrix SBE: An effective and simple solution

The IdMatrix SBE system offered by us placed great emphasis on flexibility and easy use already in the planning phase. It is ready for use immediately after installation and it has a built-in HR module that is independent from the integration of any HR system. It manages AD and Exchange authorizations automatically and enables manual authorization management for systems that do not have an interface.

The system's features include a full self-service interface, factory HR processes and authorization processes that allow for quick instalment. IdMatrix SBE is therefore an ideal choice for ensuring compliance with the NIS2 directive for small and medium-sized companies. We recommend the fully functional IdMatrix license configuration for large companies.

Some additional benefits:

Scalability: IDM systems can be tailored to companies of different sizes, so both small and large companies can easily implement them.
Integration capabilities: IDM systems can be easily integrated with other security solutions such as firewalls, antivirus systems and SIEM systems, providing comprehensive security monitoring. Support for automatic authorization setting.
Central monitoring: IDM systems enable the central management of user authorizations and accesses, which simplifies security processes and reduces the possibility of manual errors.

The introduction of IDM systems therefore not only enables the automation and more efficient management of security measures but also ensures the compliance required by the NIS2 directive.