The NIS2 Directive is the European Union's updated network and information security legislation, extending cyber security obligations to a significantly broader range of organisations. For MSPs with European clients, NIS2 is one of the most important compliance service opportunities of 2026.
Who this is for: MSPs serving EU-based clients or global organisations with EU operations subject to NIS2 requirements.
TL;DR
- NIS2 entered force in October 2024, replacing the original NIS Directive with significantly broader scope
- NIS2 now covers 18 sectors, including energy, transport, banking, health, digital infrastructure, and managed service providers
- MSPs are directly in scope as a regulated entity type under NIS2 — not just as service providers
- Non-compliance penalties under NIS2 can reach EUR 10 million or 2% of global turnover
- 6clicks includes a pre-built NIS2 framework ready to deploy for MSP client engagements
What is NIS2, and who does it affect?
The NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) replaces the original NIS Directive with a broader scope and stricter requirements. Key changes include:
Expanded scope
NIS2 covers entities in 18 sectors, including energy, transport, banking, financial market infrastructure, healthcare, drinking water, wastewater, digital infrastructure, ICT service management, public administration, and space. It creates two tiers:
- Essential entities — subject to the strictest requirements (e.g., critical infrastructure operators)
- Important entities — subject to lighter-touch requirements but still significant obligations
MSPs in scope
Managed service providers and managed security service providers are explicitly in scope under NIS2. This means MSPs operating in the EU — and potentially those serving EU-based clients — face direct compliance obligations.
Key requirements
Under NIS2, organisations must implement a combination of technical, administrative, and operational controls, including:
- Risk analysis and information system security policies
- Incident handling procedures
- Business continuity and crisis management
- Supply chain security
- Security in network and information systems acquisition and development
- Cyber hygiene and cyber security training
- Human resources security, access control policies
- Use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) or continuous authentication
The MSP NIS2 opportunity
NIS2 creates three distinct opportunities for MSPs:
- Direct compliance: MSPs in scope as managed service providers must achieve NIS2 compliance themselves
- Client compliance delivery: MSPs can deliver NIS2 compliance programmes to in-scope clients
- Supply chain risk management: MSPs can help NIS2-regulated organisations manage supplier and third-party cybersecurity risk through vendor assessments, assurance workflows, and ongoing monitoring
How MSPs deliver NIS2 compliance using 6clicks
Phase 1: Scope determination
Work with the client to determine whether they are an essential or important entity, and which NIS2 requirements apply to their specific situation.
Phase 2: Gap assessment
6clicks provides a pre-built NIS2 gap assessment template that maps the client's existing controls to NIS2 requirements. Hailey AI identifies gaps and prioritises remediation.
Phase 3: Program implementation
Using 6clicks, implement missing controls using NIS2-aligned policies from the Content Library. Key areas include incident response, supply chain security, and MFA implementation.
Phase 4: Ongoing compliance management
NIS2 requires regular assessment and continuous improvement. MSPs can deliver ongoing monitoring, incident management, and annual reassessment as a subscription service.
How 6clicks helps MSPs with NIS2
- NIS2 framework pre-mapped to all key requirements and controls
- Supply chain risk assessment templates for NIS2 third-party obligations
- Incident response workflows aligned to NIS2's 24-hour initial notification requirements
- Cross-mapping between NIS2 and ISO 27001 for clients managing both frameworks
Frequently asked questions
Australian MSPs serving EU-based clients or with EU operations may be subject to NIS2. The extraterritorial scope is complex; legal advice specific to the MSP's situation is recommended.
Essential entities face fines of up to EUR 10 million or 2% of global annual turnover. Important entities face fines of up to EUR 7 million or 1.4% of global annual turnover.
NIS2 and GDPR are complementary but separate obligations. NIS2 focuses on network and information system security, while GDPR focuses on personal data protection. Many controls overlap, but organisations need both compliance programs.
Yes. Hailey AI maps NIS2 requirements to ISO 27001 controls, allowing organisations managing both frameworks to avoid duplicated effort.
Incident response procedures and supply chain security are among the most common compliance gaps for mid-market organisations preparing for NIS2.
Next step
Build your NIS2 compliance service with 6clicks.
