The MSP guide to NIS2 compliance in Europe

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:

1. Direct compliance: MSPs in scope as managed service providers must achieve NIS2 compliance themselves
2. Client compliance delivery: MSPs can deliver NIS2 compliance programmes to in-scope clients
3. 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

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