What’s NIS2, and Why is Zero Trust the Key? 

The NIS2 Directive is the EU’s way of raising the bar on cybersecurity. It’s about making sure critical services like energy, healthcare, and transportation are safe from cyberattacks. A big part of that is rethinking how we trust users, devices, and systems. Enter Zero Trust. 

Zero Trust means nobody gets automatic access, even if they’re inside your network. It’s like saying, “Prove who you are and why you’re here” every time. That might sound strict, but it’s incredibly effective for keeping bad actors out while letting your team do their work securely. 

How Does Okta Make This Easier? 

Strict controls ensure they only access what’s necessary. 

• Spotting Problems Early: Okta gives you a clear picture of who’s accessing what and when. If something looks suspicious, you’ll know right away, making it easier to respond quickly and meet NIS2’s reporting requirements. 
• Next-Level Protection Against Phishing: We’ve all heard about phishing emails. Okta helps block these threats by supporting advanced authentication methods that are tough for attackers to crack, like passwordless logins or hardware keys. 

How I approach NIS2 with Okta? 

Aligning NIS2 with Okta might seem complex, but in my experience, it's surprisingly smooth when approached strategically. Rather than tackling everything at once, I focus on how NIS2 applies to the organization and leverage Okta's built-in Zero Trust features, like adaptive access, logging, and automated identity lifecycle management. These tools help create a security-first approach while keeping the process manageable. 

The real challenge? Refining policies to match specific risks, ensuring third-party security. But once that's mapped out, the process becomes scalable and future-proof, making compliance feel less like a regulatory burden and more like a valuable security upgrade. Over time, I've found that integrating Okta for NIS2 compliance doesn't just check a compliance box, it actively strengthens the resilience and trustworthiness of the entire organization. 

Why this matters? 

NIS2 isn’t just a rulebook, it’s a roadmap for better cybersecurity. With a Zero Trust mindset and tools like Okta, you’re not just checking a compliance box; you’re building a stronger, safer organization. 

And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Okta handles heavy lifting, so you can focus on what you do best while keeping threats at bay. 

About the Author

Oana Ianosiu (MSc Cybersecurity) is an IAM Consultant, Certified Okta Administrator at Distology Studios.