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As cybersecurity regulations tighten across Europe, one question keeps coming up for security and IT leaders:
How does NIS2 compare to ISO 27001—and do we need both?
While NIS2 and ISO 27001 share similar goals, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference is critical for organizations operating in or doing business with the EU.
In this guide, we’ll break down NIS2 vs ISO 27001, explain how they overlap, where they differ, and how organizations can use existing ISO 27001 controls to accelerate NIS2 compliance—especially around device security and endpoint management.
What Is NIS2?
NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive 2) is an EU law, not a voluntary standard. It expands and strengthens the original NIS Directive, introducing stricter cybersecurity requirements and enforcement across EU member states.
NIS2 focuses on:
- Risk management measures
- Incident reporting
- Supply chain security
- Governance and accountability
- Endpoint and asset visibility
Who must comply?
Organizations classified as Essential or Important Entities, including those in:
- Energy, healthcare, transportation
- Digital infrastructure and SaaS
- Manufacturing and logistics
- Financial services
- Public administration
- Technology providers operating in the EU
Non-compliance can result in significant fines and executive liability.
What Is ISO 27001?
ISO/IEC 27001 is an international, voluntary security standard for establishing and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
ISO 27001 focuses on:
- Policies and governance
- Risk assessment and treatment
- Continuous improvement
- Auditable security controls
It is commonly used to demonstrate trust to customers, auditors, and partners—and is often a prerequisite for enterprise deals.
NIS2 vs ISO 27001: Key Differences
AreaNIS2ISO 27001TypeEU regulation (mandatory)International standard (voluntary)ScopeNational & sector-basedOrganization-wideEnforcementGovernment regulatorsCertification bodiesPenaltiesFines & management liabilityLoss of certificationFocusOperational security & resilienceManagement system & controls
In short:
ISO 27001 proves how you manage security.
NIS2 enforces that you manage security—continuously and effectively.
How NIS2 and ISO 27001 Overlap
Despite their differences, NIS2 and ISO 27001 align closely in practice.
Both require:
- Risk-based security controls
- Asset and device visibility
- Incident response procedures
- Access control and authentication
- Continuous monitoring
- Evidence for audits and regulators
If you already follow ISO 27001, you are not starting from zero with NIS2.
Where NIS2 Goes Further Than ISO 27001
NIS2 introduces stricter expectations in areas where ISO 27001 is often interpreted loosely:
1. Continuous Endpoint Security
NIS2 expects organizations to know the security posture of every device, not just define policies.
That includes:
- Disk encryption
- OS patch levels
- Malware protection
- Unauthorized software detection
- Remote wipe and device disposal evidence
2. Real-Time Risk Visibility
NIS2 emphasizes ongoing risk management—not annual audits.
3. Executive Accountability
Senior management is explicitly responsible under NIS2, including potential personal liability.
How ISO 27001 Helps You Prepare for NIS2
If your organization already follows ISO 27001, you likely have:
- Risk registers
- Security policies
- Incident response plans
- Vendor management processes
What’s often missing is automated enforcement and evidence at the device level.
This is where endpoint management becomes critical.
NIS2, ISO 27001, and Device Management
Both frameworks depend heavily on endpoint security—but neither tells you how to enforce it.
That’s where modern device management platforms like Swif.ai come in.
Swif.ai helps organizations:
- Enforce device security policies across macOS, Windows, and Linux
- Continuously monitor compliance status
- Detect Shadow IT and unauthorized software
- Automatically collect audit-ready evidence
- Integrate with ISO 27001 and compliance tools you already use
For teams already aligned with ISO 27001, this means:
You can operationalize NIS2 requirements without rebuilding your security program.
Can ISO 27001 Alone Make You NIS2 Compliant?
No.
ISO 27001 alone does not guarantee NIS2 compliance.
But:
- ISO 27001 gives you the foundation
- NIS2 requires proof, visibility, and enforcement
Organizations that succeed with NIS2 typically extend their ISO 27001 controls into real-time device and operational security.
Final Thoughts: NIS2 vs ISO 27001
- ISO 27001 helps you design a strong security program
- NIS2 requires you to prove it works—every day
- The two are complementary, not competing
- Device management is the missing link between policy and compliance
If you already invest in ISO 27001, NIS2 is not a reinvention—it’s an evolution.
And with the right tooling, it doesn’t have to slow you down.
Want to see how device-level controls map to NIS2 requirements in practice? Swif.ai helps teams automate endpoint security, evidence collection, and continuous compliance—without scripts or manual audits.
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