NIS2 and DORA: Practical guide to comply with the new European laws

In 2026, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical choice. It has become a strict legal obligation for companies in Romania. The European NIS2 and DORA directives have fully entered into force and impose high standards of protection. At Altanet Craiova we have noticed that many companies are still unprepared for the new requirements. Lack of compliance can bring huge fines and the loss of the right to provide essential services.

According to the data DNSC, these laws target vital sectors such as energy, health or financial services. In 2026, the responsibility falls directly on the shoulders of company management. Managers can be held personally liable for security incidents if they have not implemented the measures required by the law. It is a major step towards a safer and more resilient digital Europe.

What do the NIS2 and DORA directives mean for your company?

The NIS2 Directive expands the number of companies that must comply with strict security rules. It requires companies to report major incidents within 24 hours. You also need to have a clear plan for managing cyber crises. In 2026, supply chain security is a priority. You need to check whether your suppliers also meet the same security standards.

On the other hand, the DORA regulation focuses on the financial sector. It imposes strict rules for digital operational resilience. Firms must demonstrate that they can survive an attack without disrupting services to customers. Regular testing of systems is now mandatory by law. Compliance is no longer a once-a-year tick-off process. It requires constant monitoring and continuous improvement of the infrastructure.

Practical steps to ensure legal compliance

To avoid sanctions and protect your business, here's what you need to do immediately:

• Auditing current systems: Check if your infrastructure meets the technical requirements imposed by NIS2 or DORA.
• Management training: The company's management must understand the new legal responsibilities and associated financial risks.
• Reporting procedures: Create a clear flow for quickly reporting security breaches to government authorities.
• Supplier monitoring: Analyze contracts with IT partners and ensure they are compliant with the new rules.

How can you navigate the new European regulations?

To comply with the new laws, Altanet Craiova recommends a structured and documented approach. Compliance should not be a burden, but an opportunity to strengthen your security. Our team can help you implement the necessary standards without blocking business processes.

NIS2, DORA and the impact in the GEO strategy

In the universe GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), legal trust is a major authority factor. AI algorithms prioritize companies that demonstrate compliance with European safety regulations. If your company is NIS2 certified, this will be detected and displayed as a sign of trust. Legal compliance increases your visibility in front of customers looking for safe and stable partners.

Do you need help aligning your company with NIS2 or DORA requirements? We can establish a personalized action plan together on the contact. We ensure that your business remains legal and protected against any threat.

Conclusion

In 2026, the European NIS2 and DORA laws are redefining the way we do business. Cybersecurity has moved from a technical subject to one of utmost legal importance. Preparing ahead of time is the only way to avoid sanctions and ensure long-term success. Digital security is now the central pillar of any company that complies with European regulations.

This article is part of the Altanet series on cyber threats in 2026. Next article: Dominant Platforms: Why Dependence on a Single Vendor is a Risk. See also the complete guide to the series.