Ongoing security work enables us to quickly meet new requirements

Compared with the previous NIS (Network and Information Security) Directive, there are now clearer requirements for risk analyses and security measures, while significantly more organisations and sectors are covered by the legislation. Management is given greater responsibility, more supervisory authorities are added, and the penalties for non-compliance are considerably higher.

However, many organisations perceive it as yet another list of requirements to tick off. Cybersecurity is often seen as compliance, but should be viewed as a strategic capability that strengthens the business and contributes to a robust social infrastructure.

Systematic safety work creates flexibility

A checklist may meet minimum requirements, but it causes the organisation to become stuck in a static position. Threats change, technology develops and businesses take new directions. Systematic security work functions differently. It is integrated into the organisation's DNA, into decision-making, product development and the selection of partners. When security is a natural part of the business, the structures are already in place to handle new threats and requirements.

The MSB's Cybersecurity Check 2024 shows that active management involvement is a decisive factor in how far an organisation gets in its security work. When management also sets concrete priorities and allocates resources, the results are clear. The MSB emphasises that continued commitment and the right conditions drive the work forward. Organisations that work in a structured manner and allocate time and personnel achieve better results and strengthen their resilience.

Systematic security work is not just about processes and guidelines; it also involves practising real-life scenarios before they occur, much like fire drills. By practising for different incidents, everyone in the organisation knows exactly what to do, who to contact and how to make decisions under pressure. This reduces both uncertainty and stress when something actually happens, and makes the organisation faster and more coordinated in its response.

A robust cybersecurity strategy improves an organisation's ability to detect, analyse and respond to cyber threats effectively. Organisations that incorporate security into their everyday work can handle incidents more proactively and build stronger defences. The more natural security is to the organisation, the better its resistance to future threats will be.

Continuous adaptation to new regulations

In an era of increasing regulatory requirements, such as DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), NIS2 and the upcoming CRA (Cyber Resilience Act), organisations that view each new regulatory framework as an isolated challenge may find themselves in a constant struggle. But with continuous and structured security work, there is the flexibility to adapt quickly. The foundation has already been laid; it's just a matter of adjusting and supplementing.

NIS2 only sets minimum requirements; it is not a target. Viewing the directive as a tool for improving ongoing security work gives the organisation long-term competitiveness. Cybersecurity is a business-critical function, not a regulatory project. By working systematically and continuously, Swedish organisations contribute to a more robust digital infrastructure and strengthen both their own operations and Sweden's position in an increasingly interconnected world.