--- title: "NIS2 Directive: Supply Chain Security & Compliance 2025" description: Find out what the NIS2 Directive 2025 means for companies - including supply chain security obligations and tips for successful compliance. image: https://rheintec.io/hubfs/europa-cybersecurity-nis2-richtlinie-netzwerk-karte.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-directive-supply-chain-security#main-content) [![Rheintec logo](https://rheintec.io/hubfs/website_assets/logo/logo-white.svg "Rheintec logo")](https://rheintec.io/home?hsLang=en) - [ KMU ](https://kmu.rheintec.io/de-ch/it-fuer-kmus) - [Enterprise](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-directive-supply-chain-security#) Show submenu for Enterprise - [Consulting](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-directive-supply-chain-security#) Show submenu for Consulting - [ IT Security Consulting ](https://rheintec.io/en/consulting/security/it-security-consulting) - [ Cyber Security Review ](https://rheintec.io/en/consulting/cybersecurity-review) - [ Governance, Risk & Compliance Consulting ](https://rheintec.io/en/consulting/compliance-and-governance) - [Zscaler](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-directive-supply-chain-security#) Show submenu for Zscaler - [ Zscaler Architecture Consulting ](https://rheintec.io/en/consulting/zscaler/architecture-consulting) - [ Zscaler Health Checks ](https://rheintec.io/en/consulting/zscaler/healthchecks) - [ Zscaler Automation ](https://rheintec.io/en/consulting/zscaler/automation) - [ Zscaler Proof of Concepts ](https://rheintec.io/en/consulting/zscaler/proof-of-concept) - [ Z-Automate ](https://rheintec.io/en/zscaler-automation-tool) - [ Solutions ](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-directive-supply-chain-security#services) Show submenu for Solutions - [ Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) ](https://rheintec.io/en/solutions/zscaler-remote-browser-access) - [ CNAPP ](https://rheintec.io/en/managed-services/enterprises/wiz) - [ Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) ](https://rheintec.io/en/solutions/secure-access-service-edge) - [ Secure Service Edge ](https://rheintec.io/en/managed-services/enterprises/zscaler-sse) - [ Zscaler Data Security ](https://rheintec.io/en/solutions/zscaler-data-security) - [ SD-WAN & WAN-Edge ](https://rheintec.io/en/managed-services/enterprises/ubiquitiy-wan-edge) - [ Z-Automate ](https://rheintec.io/en/zscaler-automation-tool) - [Managed Services](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-directive-supply-chain-security#) Show submenu for Managed Services - [ Managed Security Services ](https://rheintec.io/en/managed-security-services) - [ Small & Medium Companies (5-250) ](https://rheintec.io/managed-services/small-medium-companies-smb) Show submenu for Small & Medium Companies (5-250) - [ Zscaler 4 Small Businesses ](https://rheintec.io/en/managed-services/small-companies/zscaler-sse-4-small-businesses) - [ CrowdStrike XDR 4 Small Businesses ](https://rheintec.io/en/en/managed-services/small-companies/crowdstrike-xdr-4-small-businesses) - [ Mimecast 4 Small Businesses ](https://rheintec.io/de/mimecast-for-kmu) - [ Proofpoint 4 Small Businesses ](https://rheintec.io/en/rheintec-proofpoint-mail-sicherheit-f%C3%BCr-kmu-kleinunternehmen) - [ Small Business Secure ](https://rheintec.io/en/managed-services/small-companies/small-business-secure) - [ Small Business Complete ](https://rheintec.io/en/managed-services/small-companies/small-business-complete) - [ Medium Business Complete
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Such attacks exploit vulnerabilities within an organization's supply chain - including third-party vendors or software updates - to compromise the ultimate target. Often the weakest link is targeted, meaning that a single compromised element can put multiple organizations at risk simultaneously. In response to this threat, the EU has introduced the NIS2 Directive, which requires coordinated risk assessments and increased cybersecurity compliance in selected industries. Prominent examples such as the SolarWinds Orion platform attack and the Log4j vulnerability highlight the vulnerability of software supply chains. ![Modernes Rechenzentrum mit Serverracks und blauer Beleuchtung für EU-IT-Infrastruktur](https://rheintec.io/hs-fs/hubfs/rechenzentrum-infrastruktur-cybersicherheit-eu-nis2.jpg?width=1456&height=816&name=rechenzentrum-infrastruktur-cybersicherheit-eu-nis2.jpg) ## What are supply chain attacks? Supply chain attacks can be divided into different categories: - Software Supply Chain Attacks - Hardware supply chain attacks - Attacks on service providers Each of these categories requires specific risk mitigation measures to ensure robust supply chain security and to comply with the NIS2 directive. ![Digitale Lieferkette mit grünen Knotenpunkten, ein roter markiert Sicherheitsrisiko](https://rheintec.io/hs-fs/hubfs/supply-chain-security-warning-nis2-richtlinie-netzwerk.jpg?width=1456&height=816&name=supply-chain-security-warning-nis2-richtlinie-netzwerk.jpg) ## Software supply chain Software supply chain attacks involve the injection of malicious code into software products or updates. This can happen via compromised development environments - as in the SolarWinds incident - or via malicious open source components - as in the case of Log4j. The risk increases with the number of dependencies and third-party libraries. Once distributed, affected software puts all users at risk. To comply with the NIS2 directive, organizations must gain full transparency of their software supply chains and establish secure development and update processes. ## Hardware supply chain In hardware supply chain attacks, physical components are manipulated during production or distribution. Attackers could, for example, introduce malicious firmware or hardware modules - such as network components - in order to tap into data. Although such attacks are less common than software-based threats, they are particularly difficult to detect and extremely dangerous. As part of NIS2 compliance, companies must integrate security checks and control mechanisms into their hardware procurement processes. ## Service providers IT service providers and managed service providers (MSPs) are particularly targeted by attackers due to their extensive access rights. The SolarWinds case showed how a single compromised service provider can gain access to numerous customer networks. To be NIS2 compliant, companies need to carefully vet their service providers and enforce security standards such as multi-factor authentication, monitoring and contractual cybersecurity compliance. ![IT-Sicherheitsanalyst überwacht Netzwerke auf mehreren Bildschirmen in einem SOC](https://rheintec.io/hs-fs/hubfs/nis2-cybersecurity-analyst-monitoring-it-sicherheit.jpg?width=960&height=538&name=nis2-cybersecurity-analyst-monitoring-it-sicherheit.jpg) ## Challenges in detecting supply chain threats All types of supply chain attacks are difficult to detect - especially in large, distributed IT infrastructures. Nevertheless, comprehensive risk assessments are essential for NIS2 compliance. software-based attacks are more common because they are easier to automate. Nevertheless, hardware and service-based threats must not be underestimated - such as Operation Grim Beeper, which caused thousands of pagers to fail in Lebanon in 2024. ## NIS2 compliance and supply chain security The NIS2 directive emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity compliance in critical sectors. A key element is coordinated risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and protect critical infrastructure. Companies must analyze both technical and non-technical aspects of their supply chains - from software dependencies and third-party providers to geopolitical risks. These assessments are carried out by the so-called Cooperation Group, which is made up of representatives of the EU Member States, the EU Commission and the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). To meet the requirements of the NIS2 Directive, companies should: - Maintain an up-to-date asset database and software bill of materials (SBOM) - Continuously monitor third-party risks - Establish contingency plans for incidents in the supply chain - Integrate security requirements into the procurement process With these measures, organizations strengthen their supply chain security while implementing EU-wide cybersecurity compliance requirements. ## Conclusion Supply chain attacks pose a growing threat to cybersecurity and endanger entire networks through shared components. The NIS2 Directive creates the regulatory framework to make supply chains more resilient through coordinated risk assessments and comprehensive security measures. For companies that want to protect critical infrastructures and sensitive data, implementing the NIS2 requirements is essential. Those who bring transparency to their supply chain, systematically integrate third-party providers and establish cybersecurity at all levels will ensure long-term digital resilience in the EU. ![EU-Flagge im Hintergrund, großes Vorhängeschloss im Fokus als Symbol für Datenschutz](https://rheintec.io/hs-fs/hubfs/eu-datenschutz-schloss-nis2-compliance-flagge.jpg?width=1456&height=816&name=eu-datenschutz-schloss-nis2-compliance-flagge.jpg) [Governance & Compliance](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/tag/governance-compliance) ### You might like ##### [Understanding Supply Chain Attacks in the Context of NIS2](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/essential-vendor-risk-management-tools-for-nis2-compliance?hsLang=en) A brief overview into NIS2 supply chain requirements. [![European Union and digital security in the context of the NIS2 Directive](https://rheintec.io/hs-fs/hubfs/nis2-eu-cybersicherheitsrichtlinie-symbolbild-europa.jpg?width=352&name=nis2-eu-cybersicherheitsrichtlinie-symbolbild-europa.jpg) ](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-new-guideline-on-the-eu-cybersecurity-directive?hsLang=en) ##### [Guide to the EU Cybersecurity Directive NIS2 (EU) 2022/2555](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/nis2-new-guideline-on-the-eu-cybersecurity-directive?hsLang=en) The deadline is October 17, 2024 - are you ready? In a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructures, cybersecurity is becoming more and more important at all levels of society. The new NIS2 Directive is an updated version of the EU's first cybersecurity directive, the 2016 NIS (Network and... ##### [Cybersecurity Best Practices for NIS 2 Compliance](https://rheintec.io/en/it-security-blog/cybersecurity-best-practices-for-nis-2-compliance?hsLang=en) Stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats by understanding and implementing the NIS 2 Directive's comprehensive requirements. ## How much does IT security cost for your SMB? Easily estimate your IT security expenses with our pricing calculator. 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