NIS2 for SMEs: Compliance Checklist Without Big Budgets

As the EU's updated cybersecurity legislation—the NIS2 Directive—comes into force, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must prepare to meet new standards. While designed to improve cybersecurity and resilience across critical sectors, the NIS2 Directive brings with it questions about cost, resources, and complexity. The good news? SMEs can achieve compliance without overspending.

1. Determine If Your SME Falls Under NIS2

✔️ Budget-Friendly

The first step is to understand whether your business is affected:

• Are you part of a critical sector (energy, health, transport, digital infrastructure, etc.)?
• Do you provide essential services or act as a critical supplier?

Action Step: Conduct a regulatory assessment to verify if your organization qualifies as an essential or important entity under NIS2. Free guidance documents from the EU or national authorities can help.

Required for Compliance? ✅ Yes

2. Conduct a Cyber Risk Assessment

✔️ Budget-Friendly

NIS2 requires entities to take a proactive approach to risk management.

Action Step:

• Identify your most valuable digital assets and assess potential threats.
• List vulnerabilities in your IT systems, including outdated software, weak passwords, and unsecured networks.
• Prioritize risks based on likelihood and impact.

You can use free tools like Microsoft Security Assessment Tool (MSAT) or OWASP risk assessment frameworks.

Required for Compliance? ✅ Yes

3. Implement Basic Cyber Hygiene Measures

✔️ Budget-Friendly

NIS2 mandates the implementation of common cybersecurity practices. Start with low-cost or no-cost steps:

• Use firewalls and up-to-date antivirus software.
• Enforce strong password policies and multifactor authentication.
• Regularly update all systems and applications.
• Limit admin rights to only essential staff.

Action Step: Create a checklist and conduct regular audits to ensure these measures are active.

Required for Compliance? ✅ Yes

4. Provide Cybersecurity Awareness Training

⚠️ Moderate Cost

Training is essential, but not always free. While basic sessions can be delivered in-house or with government resources, professional platforms charge fees.

Action Step:

• Offer training on phishing, social engineering, and safe internet practices.
• Use platforms like Cybrary, or free national cybersecurity programs.

Required for Compliance? ✅ Yes

5. Establish an Incident Response Plan

✔️ Budget-Friendly

You don’t need expensive software to comply here.

Action Step:

• Define what constitutes an incident.
• Assign roles and responsibilities.
• Create communication procedures for both internal teams and external authorities.
• Test the plan annually.

Templates from ENISA or national cybersecurity centers can help structure your plan.

Required for Compliance? ✅ Yes

6. Consider a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

⚠️Higher Cost

MSSPs provide services such as 24/7 monitoring, incident response, and reporting. For SMEs lacking internal capacity, this can be a significant monthly cost.

Action Step: If internal expertise is lacking and compliance requirements are strict (e.g., you're in a highly regulated sector), consider a lightweight MSSP plan.

Required for Compliance? ❌Not mandatory, but may be the only practical option for small teams to meet technical and response obligations.

7. Keep Documentation and Stay Compliant

✔️ Budget-Friendly

Requires time and discipline, budget should not be an issue.

Action Step:

• Maintain policies, training logs, and incident reports.
• Assign compliance responsibilities internally.
• Stay up to date with evolving NIS2 regulations.

Required for Compliance? ✅ Yes

NIS2 Compliance Is Achievable for SMEs

NIS2 compliance doesn't demand a massive budget. Most requirements focus on governance, risk management, and basic cyber hygiene—all of which can be achieved affordably. While some steps like MSSPs or advanced training platforms come with costs, they are only necessary if your internal resources can't cover required obligations.

With a structured approach and strategic use of free tools and documentation, SMEs can comply with NIS2 and significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture without breaking the bank.

Download NIS2 Checklist

Feeling lost about where to start when it comes to the NIS2 Directive? That is why we decided to equip you with actionable steps on how to kick off your compliance journey and reach full compliance with ASEE.

Download eBook

Don’t wait for a breach or a compliance deadline. Start today. Contact us for solution-specific support.