Industry groups warning companies about new European cyber security guidelines

Thousands of companies are in danger of losing essential clients and income in the coming months because they are unfamiliar with the new European demands for cybersecurity. This was a warning from 63 different organizations, including MKB-Nederland, Techniek Nederland, Transport en LogistIek Nederland, Bouwend Nederland, and Bovag.

Companies that fall under the new European guidelines will be responsible for their own digital security and the whole supply chain. Even drivers can be held accountable if they are negligent on this subject. The Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) will be implemented in October.

Many companies have no idea what to expect, according to the industry groups. They have therefore joined the platform, Samen Digitaal Veilig, which in English is translated to Digitally Safe Together, which was set up a few years ago to help companies improve their digital security.

Coen van den Berg of Samen Digitaal Veilig has said that the new European guidelines will affect over 50,000 Dutch companies. He stated that only a small minority is aware of the new demands.

The Netherlands will not have the new law in place in October, but companies that do business with other European countries could already be in trouble by that time, Van den Berg added. Companies that deliver to German clients have been told that they need to follow the guidelines in October of this year.

According to Van den Berg, they could lose clients if they are not ready. “In Germany, they are very strict on following the laws.”