NIS2 Directive and Cybersecurity

NIS2 and the New Era of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is no longer a technical detail hidden in the IT department, but the foundation of stable and responsible business. The NIS2 Directive clearly confirms this, shifting focus from technology to people, processes, and management responsibility. In the Croatian context, this change comes at a time when organizations' digital dependence has never been greater.

NIS2 brings a simple but demanding message: security is not optional. Organizations managing critical services must be prepared to prevent, recognize, and report cyber incidents. However, the most common system weakness is not software, but people. One thoughtless click, one password written on paper, or one unrecognized fake warning can have serious consequences.

That's why NIS2 emphasizes education as a key defense line. Rules and policies without understanding remain a dead letter. Employees must know what a threat looks like, how to react, and whom to contact. Cybersecurity thus becomes part of organizational culture, not just a regulatory obligation.

At its core, NIS2 is neither a punishment nor an administrative burden. It is a call for a more mature relationship with digital space. Organizations that take it seriously will not only satisfy regulations but will build more resilient systems, safer environments, and greater user trust. In a world where attacks are a question of when, not if, that is the difference between resilience and vulnerability.

What is NIS2 and Why is it Important

NIS2 is a European directive that raises the level of cybersecurity in EU member states. In Croatia, it applies to entities from key and important sectors, including:

• Energy – power systems, oil, gas
• Transport – railways, airports, maritime transport
• Healthcare – hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical supply
• Finance – banks, insurance companies, investment funds
• Public Administration – central and local government
• Digital Services – cloud, data centers, hosting

Unlike the previous directive, NIS2 brings stricter requirements, clearer management responsibilities, and higher penalties for non-compliance. However, what is often overlooked is the fact that a large part of incidents does not occur due to technical failures, but due to the human factor.

"A large part of security incidents does not arise from technical failures, but from the human factor – employee education becomes a key part of NIS2 compliance."

Human Factor as a Key Security Risk

Phishing emails, weak passwords, unauthorized data sharing, or use of insecure devices – these are the scenarios behind most security incidents. NIS2 clearly recognizes this and emphasizes the need for continuous employee education on cybersecurity.

In other words, having policies and technical measures is not enough. Organizations must prove that employees are:

• Educated about existing risks
• Aware of their responsibilities
• Trained to act properly in case of an incident
• Regularly refreshing their knowledge

Most Common Security Incidents Caused by Human Factor

Research shows that over 80% of security incidents involve some form of human error. The most common scenarios include:

• Phishing attacks – clicking on malicious links or attachments
• Weak passwords – using simple or repeated passwords
• Unauthorized data sharing – sending sensitive information through insecure channels
• Use of private devices – working with business data on unprotected devices
• Insecure practices – leaving unlocked workstations, forgotten USB devices

How Performa 365 Supports NIS2 Compliance

Performa 365 as a technological and educational tool helps organizations meet NIS2 Directive requirements through the following key functionalities:

Structured Education

The platform enables organizations to conduct structured education on cybersecurity and NIS2 obligations. Content is shaped according to real scenarios and adapted to different knowledge levels.

Mandatory Training with Automatic Tracking

The system ensures that all employees regularly undergo mandatory training. Automatic reminder sending and deadline tracking eliminate administrative burden and ensure compliance.

Advanced Analytics and Reporting

Performa 365 provides detailed insight into:

• Who completed the education
• With what results
• Within what timeframe
• Which areas require additional support

Documentation as Proof of Compliance

The system automatically documents all educational activities that serve as proof of compliance to regulators during inspections or audits.

Practical Example: Public Sector

A public sector organization introduces mandatory annual information security training. Through Performa 365, employees go through short, understandable modules with real scenarios:

• Phishing recognition – how to identify suspicious messages
• Incident response – clear protocols and contacts
• Responsible data handling – best practices for information protection
• Remote security – protecting work outside the office

The system automatically records results and generates reports for internal and external audits. Management has constant insight into the organization's preparedness level, and employees gain practical knowledge they can immediately apply.

NIS2 is Not a One-Time Project, But a Continuous Process

One of the key messages of the NIS2 Directive is that cybersecurity is not a "checklist" activity. It requires constant adaptation, testing, and education. Threats change, technologies advance, and regulatory requirements become stricter.

That's why Performa 365 offers a long-term solution that enables:

• Continuous learning – regular knowledge refreshment
• Quick content updates – adaptation to new threats and requirements
• Personalized pathways – different content for different roles
• Measurable results – clear KPIs and progress analytics

Key Benefits of Continuous Approach

Organizations implementing a continuous education approach report:

• Significant reduction in security incidents – up to 70% fewer phishing attacks
• Faster threat recognition – employees proactively report suspicious activities
• Better compliance – constant readiness for audits and inspections
• Stronger security culture – security becomes part of the organization's DNA

An Opportunity, Not Just an Obligation

For Croatian organizations, NIS2 represents a challenge, but also an opportunity. Those who recognize the importance of education in time and include it in their security strategies will not only satisfy regulatory requirements but will significantly reduce the actual risk of cyber incidents.

In this context, Performa 365 is not just a learning tool, but a key part of the modern approach to cybersecurity and NIS2 Directive compliance. Through the platform, we enable organizations to turn regulatory obligation into a real competitive advantage – educated, aware, and secure teams ready for the challenges of the digital age.

"The NIS2 Directive brings a challenge, but also an opportunity. Organizations that place employee education at the center of their security strategy will not only be compliant – they will be significantly safer and more resilient to cyber threats."