The NIS2 Directive strengthens EU cybersecurity standards by expanding sector coverage and imposing stricter requirements. This document outlines how MySQL Enterprise Edition can help organizations meet these demands, focusing on key areas for securing MySQL database servers within the NIS2 framework.

NIS2 covers various sectors, from energy and transport to digital infrastructure and manufacturing. It introduces stricter requirements for risk management, security measures (like MFA and encryption), incident reporting, supply chain security, and governance.  Organizations must proactively comply through risk assessments, security measures, and incident reporting.

While NIS2 lacks a database-specific checklist, MySQL Enterprise Edition offers features addressing key requirements.  It’s important to identify critical data, conduct threat modeling, perform vulnerability assessments, and implement strict authentication and access controls.  Developing a data security policy, incident response plan, and backup/recovery procedures is also crucial.  Technically, hardening database servers, encrypting data, implementing monitoring and logging, and enforcing MFA are necessary.  Finally, understanding NIS2 requirements, establishing incident reporting processes, and maintaining thorough documentation are essential for compliance. Continuous improvement through audits, training, and staying updated on threats is also vital.  Supply chain security and data residency compliance are additional considerations.

MySQL Enterprise Edition assists in several key areas:

  • Risk Management: The CIS Benchmark for MySQL Enterprise Edition provides a framework for risk assessment and mitigation.
  • Security Policies and Procedures: TDE encrypts data at rest, and Key Vaults manage keys. OpenSSL supports TLS data-in-transit encryption. MySQL Enterprise Masking and De-Identification anonymizes data. MySQL Enterprise Advanced Authentication offers advanced security through integration with centralized identity systems.  It supports biometric and device authentication, as well as Multi-Factor Authentication. MySQL Shell and VS Code Extension help identify sensitive data. Privilege Analysis assesses least privilege access. 
  • Logging: MySQL Enterprise Audit provides comprehensive auditing.
  • Availability, Backup, and Recovery: MySQL Enterprise Edition offers ACID compliance, InnoDB Cluster for high availability, Enterprise Backup, and 24/7 Oracle Premier Support.
  • Supply Chain Security: Oracle adheres to policies protecting its software supply chain.

Non-compliance NIS2 can result in fines as well. 

  • Essential Entities:
    • Maximum fine level of at least €10,000,000 or 2% of global annual revenue, whichever is higher.
  • Important Entities:
    • Maximum fine level of at least €7,000,000 or 1.4% of global annual revenue, whichever is higher.

MySQL Enterprise Edition offers a comprehensive suite of features to address NIS2 requirements, including risk management, security policies, technical measures, advanced authentication, event logging, incident response, and supply chain security. Leveraging these capabilities enables organizations to comply with NIS2, enhance database security, and contribute to a more resilient digital environment. Proactive assessment and implementation are crucial for safeguarding data and ensuring NIS2 compliance.

For complete details, download: https://www.mysql.com/why-mysql/white-papers/mysql-enterprise-edition-and-nis2-network-and-information-systems-directive-2/

As always, thank you for using MySQL!