NIS-2-Directive-Lead-Implementer Practice Exam Questions and Answers

According to Article 7 of the NIS 2 Directive, what is one of the aspects that the national cybersecurity strategy adopted by Member States must include?

Scenario 6: Solicure is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to manufacturing and distributing essential medications. Thriving in an industry characterized by strict regulations and demanding quality benchmarks, Solicure has taken proactive steps to adhere to the requirements of the NIS 2 Directive. This proactive approach strengthens digital resilience and ensures the continued excellence of product offerings.

Last year, a cyberattack disrupted Solicure’s research and development operations, raising concerns about the potential compromise of sensitive information regarding drug formulation. Solicure initiated an immediate investigation led by its cybersecurity team, gathering technical data to understand the attackers’ methods, assess the damage, and swiftly identify the source of the breach. In addition, the company implemented measures to isolate compromised systems and remove the attackers from its network. Lastly, acknowledging the necessity for long-term security improvement, Solicure implemented a comprehensive set of security measures to comply with NIS 2 Directive requirements, covering aspects such as cybersecurity risk management, supply chain security, incident handling, crisis management, and cybersecurity crisis response planning, among others.

In line with its crisis management strategy, Solicure’s chief information security officer, Sarah, led the initiative to develop a comprehensive exercise plan to enhance cyber resilience. This plan was designed to be adaptable and inclusive, ensuring that organizational decision-makers possessed the essential knowledge and skills required for effective cybersecurity threat mitigation. Additionally, to enhance the efficacy of its crisis management planning, Solicure adopted an approach that prioritized the structuring of crisis response.

A key aspect of Solicure’s cybersecurity risk management approach centered on the security of its human resources. Given the sensitive nature of its pharmaceutical products, the company placed utmost importance on the employees’ backgrounds. As a result, Solicure implemented a rigorous evaluation process for new employees, including criminal history reviews, prior role investigations, reference check, and pre-employment drug tests.

To comply with NIS 2 requirements, Solicure integrated a business continuity strategy into its operations. As a leading provider of life-saving medicines and critical healthcare products, Solicure faced high stakes, with potential production and distribution interruptions carrying life-threatening consequences for patients. After extensive research and consultation with business management experts, the company decided to utilize a secondary location to reinforce the critical operations at the primary site. Along with its business continuity management strategy, Solicure developed a set of procedures to recover and protect its IT infrastructure in the event of a disaster and ensure the continued availability of its medications.

Does Solicure effectively handle cyber crises, including all necessary steps? Refer to scenario 6.

Scenario 3: Founded in 2001, SafePost is a prominent postal and courier company headquartered in Brussels, Belguim. Over the years, it has become a key player in the logistics and courier in the region. With more than 500 employees, the company prides itself on its efficient and reliable services, catering to individual and corporate clients. SafePost has recognized the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world and has taken significant steps to align its operations with regulatory directives, such as the NIS 2 Directive.

SafePost recognized the importance of thoroughly analyzing market forces and opportunities to inform its cybersecurity strategy. Hence, it selected an approach that enabled the analysis of market forces and opportunities in the four following areas: political, economic, social, and technological. The results of the analysis helped SafePost in anticipating emerging threats and aligning its security measures with the evolving landscape of the postal and courier industry.

To comply with the NIS 2 Directive requirements, SafePost has implemented comprehensive cybersecurity measures and procedures, which have been documented and communicated in training sessions. However, these procedures are used only on individual initiatives and have still not been implemented throughout the company. Furthermore, SafePost’s risk management team has developed and approved several cybersecurity risk management measures to help the company minimize potential risks, protect customer data, and ensure business continuity.

Additionally, SafePost has developed a cybersecurity policy that contains guidelines and procedures for safeguarding digital assets, protecting sensitive data, and defining the roles and responsibilities of employees in maintaining security. This policy will help the company by providing a structured framework for identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a culture of security awareness among employees, ultimately enhancing overall cybersecurity posture and reducing the likelihood of cyber incidents.

As SafePost continues to navigate the dynamic market forces and opportunities, it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of cybersecurity to safeguard the interests of its customers and maintain its position as a trusted leader in the postal and courier industry.

Based on scenario 3, what type of policy has SafePost established for protecting digital assets and maintaining security?

Scenario 5:Based in Altenberg, Germany, Astral Nexus Power is an innovative company founded by visionary engineers and scientists focused on pioneering technologies in the electric power sector. It focuses on the development of next-generation energy storage solutions powered by cutting-edge quantum materials. Recognizing the critical importance of securing its energy infrastructure, the company has adopted the NIS 2 Directive requirements. In addition, it continually cooperates with cybersecurity experts to fortify its digital systems, protect against cyber threats, and ensure the integrity of the power grid. By incorporating advanced security protocols, the company contributes to the overall resilience and stability of the European energy landscape.

Dedicated to ensuring compliance with NIS 2 Directive requirements, the company initiated a comprehensive journey toward transformation, beginning with an in-depth comprehension of its structure and context, which paved the way for the clear designation of roles and responsibilities related to security, among others. The company has appointed a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who is responsible to set the strategic direction for cybersecurity and ensure the protection of information assets. The CISO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Astral Nexus Power which helps in making more informed decisions concerning risks, resources, and investments. To effectively carry the roles and responsibilities related to information security, the company established a cybersecurity team which includes the company’s employees and an external cybersecurity consultant to guide them.

Astral Nexus Power is also focused on managing assets effectively. It consistently identifies and categorizes all of its digital assets, develops an inventory of all assets, and assesses the risks associated with each asset. Moreover, it monitors and maintains the assets and has a process for continual improvement in place. The company has also assigned its computer security incident response team (CSIRT) with the responsibility to monitor its on and off premises internet-facing assets, which help in managing organizational risks.

Furthermore, the company initiates a thorough process of risk identification, analysis, evaluation, and treatment. By identifying operational scenarios, which are then detailed in terms of assets, threats, and vulnerabilities, the company ensures a comprehensive identification and understanding of potential risks. This understanding informs the selection and development of risk treatment strategies, which are then communicated and consulted upon with stakeholders. Astral Nexus Power’s commitment is further underscored by a meticulous recording and reporting of these measures, fostering transparency and accountability.

Based on scenario 5, the CISO reports directly to the CEO of Astral Nexus Power. Is this in alignment with best practices?

An organization has decided to provide its cybersecurity training to its employees to improve their digital behavior and awareness of cybersecurity risks. Which proficiency level (PL) does this initiative primarily belong to?

Which of the following disaster recovery phases places significant emphasis on training employees to effectively respond and recover from a disaster?\

Scenario 5:Based in Altenberg, Germany, Astral Nexus Power is an innovative company founded by visionary engineers and scientists focused on pioneering technologies in the electric power sector. It focuses on the development of next-generation energy storage solutions powered by cutting-edge quantum materials. Recognizing the critical importance of securing its energy infrastructure, the company has adopted the NIS 2 Directive requirements. In addition, it continually cooperates with cybersecurity experts to fortify its digital systems, protect against cyber threats, and ensure the integrity of the power grid. By incorporating advanced security protocols, the company contributes to the overall resilience and stability of the European energy landscape.

Dedicated to ensuring compliance with NIS 2 Directive requirements, the company initiated a comprehensive journey toward transformation, beginning with an in-depth comprehension of its structure and context, which paved the way for the clear designation of roles and responsibilities related to security, among others. The company has appointed a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who is responsible to set the strategic direction for cybersecurity and ensure the protection of information assets. The CISO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Astral Nexus Power which helps in making more informed decisions concerning risks, resources, and investments. To effectively carry the roles and responsibilities related to information security, the company established a cybersecurity team which includes the company’s employees and an external cybersecurity consultant to guide them.

Astral Nexus Power is also focused on managing assets effectively. It consistently identifies and categorizes all of its digital assets, develops an inventory of all assets, and assesses the risks associated with each asset. Moreover, it monitors and maintains the assets and has a process for continual improvement in place. The company has also assigned its computer security incident response team (CSIRT) with the responsibility to monitor its on and off premises internet-facing assets, which help in managing organizational risks.

Furthermore, the company initiates a thorough process of risk identification, analysis, evaluation, and treatment. By identifying operational scenarios, which are then detailed in terms of assets, threats, and vulnerabilities, the company ensures a comprehensive identification and understanding of potential risks. This understanding informs the selection and development of risk treatment strategies, which are then communicated and consulted upon with stakeholders. Astral Nexus Power’s commitment is further underscored by a meticulous recording and reporting of these measures, fostering transparency and accountability.

Based on the scenario above, answer the following question:

Which risk identification approach does Astral Nexus Power use?

On which of the following critical areas does an organization focus when it promotes a culture of awareness and conducts comprehensive training sessions?

Scenario 7:CleanHydro is a forward-thinking company operating in the wastewater industry. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, the company is dedicated to revolutionizing wastewater treatment processes using advanced automated technology aiming to reduce environmental impact.

Recognizing the paramount importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect its advanced technologies, CleanHydro is committed to ensuring compliance with the NIS 2 Directive. In line with this commitment, the company has initiated a comprehensive employee training program. To do so, the company adheres to Sweden’s national cybersecurity strategy, which includes objectives, governance frameworks to guide strategy implementation and define roles and responsibilities at the national level, risk assessment mechanism, incident preparedness measures, a list of involved authorities and stakeholders, and coordination policies.

In addition, CleanHydro engaged GuardSecurity, an external cybersecurity consultancy firm, to evaluate and potentially improve the cybersecurity infrastructure of the company to ensure compliance with the NIS 2 Directive. GuardSecurity focused on strengthening the risk management process of the company.

The company started determining competence development needs by considering competence levels, comparing them with required competence levels, and then prioritizing actions to address competence gaps found based on risk-based thinking. Based on this determination, the company planned the competence development activities and defined the competence development program type and structure. To provide the training and awareness programs, the company contracted CyberSafe, a reputable training provider, to provide the necessary resources, such as relevant documentation or tools for effective training delivery. The company’s top management convened a meeting to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training policy. It was decided that cybersecurity awareness training sessions would be conducted twice during the onboarding process for new employee to instill a culture of cybersecurity from the outset and following a cybersecurity incident.

In line with the NIS 2 compliance requirements, CleanHydro acknowledges the importance of engaging in communication with communities consisting of other essential and important entities. These communities are formed based on industry sectors, critical infrastructure sectors, or other relevant classifications. The company recognizes that this communication is vital for sharing and receiving crucial cybersecurity information that contributes to the overall security of wastewater management operations.

When developing its cybersecurity communication strategy and setting objectives, CleanHydto engaged with interested parties, including employees, suppliers, and service providers, to understand their concerns and gain insights. Additionally, the company identified potential stakeholders who has expressed interest in its activities, products, and services. These activities aimed to contribute to the achievement of the overall objectives of its cybersecurity communication strategy, ensuring that it effectively addressed the needs of all relevant parties.

Based on scenario 7, why did the company undertake the mentioned activities when developing its cybersecurity communication strategy?

A financial institution issued a public statement acknowledging a significant breach that occurred. However, they used complex technical jargon and industry-specific terminology that was difficult for the general public to understand. Which principle of effective communication strategy did the institution fail to apply?