Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

The Network and Information Security 2 (NIS 2) directive is a successor to the original NIS directive. Its purpose is to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of the businesses and organizations it covers across different sectors. ‍ NIS 2 expands on the original directive with notable changes and updates aimed at consolidating and strengthening cybersecurity practices in EU Member States.

In a field flooded with tools, buzzwords, and compliance checklists, critical thinking is what cuts through the noise. It’s not just about following frameworks – its about asking the right questions. How does this control actually reduce risk? Is this alert meaningful, or just noise? What’s the intent behind the regulation, and how does it apply to my environment? Cybersecurity isn’t static. Threats evolve. So do the technologies and motivations behind them.

If you’re a government contractor working with the Department of Defense (DoD), you’ve likely heard about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)—but in 2025, it’s no longer just something to “keep an eye on.” It’s a requirement that’s actively shaping who gets contracts and who doesn’t. Here’s why CMMC is so important now, what’s changed, and what you need to do to stay compliant and competitive.

As much as some people dislike it, the world is interconnected, and to operate a business successfully, you will have to use the products or services produced by other businesses. Under normal circumstances, this is fine. However, when you’re a contractor looking to work with a department of the federal government, you have to adhere to higher standards.

Websites that handle personal data from Australian residents must comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) enforces these laws, and non-compliance can result in legal penalties and reputational harm. Many businesses operating in Australia are caught unprepared when it comes to OAIC compliance requirements.

ISO 27001 is a globally recognized standard for building robust information security management systems (ISMS). The standard is closely aligned with NIS 2—a mandatory EU directive designed to fortify the cybersecurity posture of critical infrastructure among Member States. ‍ These two frameworks form a unique symbiotic relationship due to the potential overlap in the requirements and controls.

The Network and Information Security (NIS) directive was introduced in 2016 to outline cybersecurity obligations across the EU and enable operational resilience for in-scope organizations. In 2020, the European Commission proposed the directive’s revision, which led to the formal adoption of NIS 2 in 2022. ‍ In this guide, we answer the common question of organizations impacted by the directive—What is NIS 2?

The Privacy Act 1988 establishes the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) as the foundation of privacy regulation in Australia. These 13 principles guide how organizations must handle, use, and manage personal information. The APPs apply to most Australian Government agencies, private organizations earning over $3 million annually, and certain smaller businesses—collectively called APP entities. For organizations doing business in Australia, APP compliance goes beyond avoiding penalties.