NIS2 (Network and Information Systems Directive 2) and digital signing intersect where cybersecurity and authentication matter most. While NIS2 focuses on strengthening security in networks and information systems across critical sectors, digital signing is a practical technology that can help organisations meet key requirements – especially around integrity, access control, and trust in digital communication.
How digital signing and NIS2 are connected
1. Authentication and integrity
Digital signing uses encryption to protect both authenticity and integrity. It helps ensure that a document is signed by the intended person and that the content has not been altered after signing or during transmission. This supports NIS2’s focus on reducing the risk of manipulation and unauthorised access.
2. Compliance and governance
NIS2 requires organisations to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect networks and information systems. Digital signing can be part of that toolkit by ensuring that electronic documents are trustworthy, auditable, and legally binding – particularly in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and energy.
3. Securing communication and transactions
In many critical processes, organisations exchange sensitive information and approvals digitally. Digital signing strengthens these workflows by validating who approved what, and when, which helps protect both internal and external communication channels.
4. Certification and trust
NIS2 emphasises trust in cyberspace. Digital signatures provide proof that a specific party approved a document or transaction. In some cases, qualified electronic signatures (QES) under the EU’s eIDAS regulation may be required to meet high assurance needs.
5. Protection of critical infrastructure
For organisations operating critical infrastructure, strong identity controls and tamper-proof documentation are essential. Digital signing can help reduce the risk of unauthorised access and strengthen accountability across sensitive systems and processes.
Why Addo Sign can be a strong choice for organisations
If you are working towards NIS2 compliance, the right signing solution should support security, traceability, and governance without adding complexity. Below are key capabilities that are relevant when assessing a digital signing platform in a NIS2 context.
1. Alignment with eIDAS requirements
Addo Sign supports signing methods aligned with the EU’s eIDAS framework for electronic identification and trust services. Where high assurance is needed, qualified electronic signatures (QES) can provide a strong level of authentication and legal validity.
2. Data security and protection
NIS2 raises expectations for secure handling of sensitive data. Digital signing helps protect documents by ensuring they cannot be altered without detection. Encryption and tamper-evident mechanisms support integrity and authenticity across the signing flow.
3. Traceability and auditability
NIS2 expects organisations to document security practices and demonstrate control over cyber risks. Addo Sign provides traceability and audit trails, enabling organisations to review and evidence who signed, what was signed, and when actions took place.
4. Efficiency and automation
Security controls must also be scalable. Automated signing and approval flows reduce manual handling and lower the risk of human error while improving operational efficiency across departments and external stakeholders.
5. User experience
Security only works when people use it correctly. An intuitive signing flow helps employees and partners follow secure processes without workarounds, which supports consistent compliance over time.
6. Integration and flexibility
Digital signing creates the most value when it fits into existing systems and workflows. Addo Sign can be integrated into business applications and processes, helping organisations maintain security and compliance without introducing unnecessary friction.
7. Legal validity
Many industries require that digital agreements are legally binding. Addo Sign supports signing methods that help organisations meet legal requirements for validity and documentation.
8. Scalability and adaptability
NIS2 affects both medium and large organisations in many sectors. A scalable signing solution makes it possible to apply consistent security controls across teams, subsidiaries, and different process types.
Which organisations must comply with NIS2?
NIS2 applies to organisations that provide or support essential services that are important for society’s functioning and security. Whether you are in scope depends on your sector, your role in the value chain, and your size.
1. Essential entities
This includes organisations in sectors considered critical to society, such as:
- Energy (e.g., electricity producers, gas suppliers)
- Transport (e.g., airports, rail operators, ports)
- Healthcare (e.g., hospitals, health institutions)
- Water supply and wastewater (e.g., utilities, treatment plants)
- Finance (e.g., banks, payment providers)
- Digital infrastructure (e.g., internet providers, data centres)
2. Important entities
NIS2 also covers sectors that support key societal functions, for example:
- Public administrations
- Postal and courier services
- Security service providers
- Telecommunications
Conclusion
Digital signing supports NIS2 goals by strengthening authentication, integrity, accountability, and trust in digital processes. With secure signing methods, traceability, and alignment with EU trust frameworks, Addo Sign can help organisations protect documents and communication while meeting high expectations for cybersecurity and governance.
Contact Addo Sign if you would like advice on NIS2 and digital signing.
