A NIS2 audit is not a one-time project

For many organizations, the first major milestone of NIS2 compliance is successfully completing the NIS2 audit. During the preparation phase, the necessary policies, registers, risk assessments and other mandatory documents are created, and the organization aims to demonstrate compliance during the audit.

Experience shows, however, that the work does not end once the audit is closed. The real challenge is operating the cybersecurity management system, continuously improving it and maintaining compliance in the long term.

The relevant requirements expect organizations to perform regular reviews, ensure ongoing coordination and operate security controls consciously. NIS2 compliance is therefore not a status achieved once, but a continuously maintained operating model designed to strengthen the organization’s cyber resilience.

One of the key roles in this process is the Information Security Officer, or in many organizations the External CISO, who connects regulatory compliance, risk management and the security measures required in day-to-day operations.

The CISO role goes far beyond documentation

The role of the Information Security Officer is still often approached mainly from an administrative or compliance perspective.

In practice, the CISO is responsible for several critical activities, including:

• monitoring the fulfilment of NIS2 requirements;
• supporting risk management activities;
• coordinating cybersecurity measures;
• supporting management decisions with professional input;
• preparing the organization for future and recurring NIS2 audits;
• following auditor and authority expectations;
• supporting the continuous improvement of the security management system.

The more complex an organization’s operations are, the more important it becomes to have a professional who understands not only the regulatory side, but also practical IT operations and cybersecurity.

The biggest challenge: finding the right CISO

With the introduction of NIS2 regulation, the demand for experienced information security professionals has increased significantly.

Many organizations are currently facing the fact that they:

• do not have a properly qualified CISO or Information Security Officer;
• lack sufficient experience in the practical application of NIS2 requirements;
• are uncertain about maintaining regulatory compliance;
• do not want to employ a full-time information security specialist.

This is especially relevant for organizations that are still preparing for a NIS2 audit and need a fast, lawful and professionally sound solution for filling the CISO role.

In such cases, an External CISO service can be an efficient alternative.

No properly qualified CISO appointed yet?

With Regens’ External CISO service, organizations can quickly ensure regulatory compliance and access the professional background needed for secure and auditable operations.

Why organizations choose the Regens External CISO service

1. We provide a compliance guarantee

Cybersecurity regulation is constantly evolving. In recent years, the expectations related to cybersecurity roles and professionals have changed several times. For an organization, it is not enough to have a suitable expert today if the regulatory environment may change tomorrow.

At Regens, we provide an External CISO compliance guarantee.

If the regulatory requirements change, we ensure that our clients continue to have access to a CISO professional who meets the current requirements, or we take care of obtaining the necessary compliance as soon as possible.

2. NIS2 audit experience, not just theoretical knowledge

A successful NIS2 audit does not depend solely on written policies.

Auditors do not only review documents. They also examine how processes work in practice, how mature the controls are, and how prepared the organization actually is.

Regens experts have participated in numerous NIS2 audit preparation projects for organizations classified in BASIC, IMPORTANT and HIGH security classes.

As a result, we know what questions typically arise during an audit, what the most common gaps are, and how these issues can be addressed before the audit takes place.

Preparing for a NIS2 audit?

We support our clients not only in filling the CISO role, but also in complete NIS2 audit preparation and in maintaining compliance after the audit.

3. We understand more than compliance

One of the key messages of NIS2 is that organizations should not simply create documents. They must build and operate a working cybersecurity management system.

Regens has more than 30 years of IT and operations experience.

We work every day with systems where availability, data security and risk management are business-critical factors.

Therefore, we can support clients not only in documenting how a requirement should be met, but also in implementing it in a way that works in practice.

4. A full expert team stands behind the client

An internal CISO often has to meet a wide range of expectations alone.

With Regens, the client does not receive only one professional.

Behind the External CISO, there is access to:

• information security expertise;
• audit preparation experience;
• IT operations knowledge;
• cybersecurity technology expertise;
• project and compliance management support.

This significantly reduces organizational risks and strengthens the security of day-to-day operations.

5. We build the necessary protection, not the most expensive one

During a NIS2 audit, the goal is not to purchase as many security products as possible.

The goal is to implement proportionate protection.

In our experience, well-designed processes, properly selected technologies and conscious operations are more valuable than oversized and unnecessarily costly solutions.

That is why our recommendations are always aligned with the organization’s size, risks and business operations.

6. We help build internal CISO capabilities

Not every organization wants to rely on an external Information Security Officer in the long term.

In many cases, the goal is for an internal employee to take over the CISO role later.

In such situations, we can temporarily act as the External CISO while mentoring and supporting the appointed colleague in acquiring the necessary knowledge and qualifications.

This allows the organization to meet the requirements immediately while building long-term internal expertise.

A successful NIS2 audit is only the beginning

A NIS2 audit is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the process. Maintaining compliance, operating security measures and continuously improving the cybersecurity system require expertise, experience and the right resources.

The External CISO service is therefore not simply the outsourcing of a mandatory role.

With the right partner, an organization gains access to an expert background that supports NIS2 compliance, successful audits and truly secure operations at the same time.

Do you have questions about the CISO role?

Whether you are preparing for a NIS2 audit or have already completed it successfully, our experts can help identify the most suitable solution for your organization.

• External CISO compliance guarantee
• Audit experience in BASIC, IMPORTANT and HIGH security classes
• Full IT and cybersecurity expert background
• Mentoring and training support for an internal CISO

Explore the service:

EXTERNAL CISO SERVICE

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