NIS2 in Denmark: Is Your Organization Ready for the Real Test?

October 1st passed quietly, without major headlines. But beneath the surface, a milestone was reached - one that will have profound implications for Denmark’s cybersecurity: the registration deadline under the EU’s NIS2 directive.

It’s tempting to breathe a sigh of relief. But the truth is, registration was only the first step. The real test begins now.

NIS2 is not a paperwork exercise. It’s the most comprehensive cybersecurity legislation ever introduced in Europe, affecting thousands of Danish organizations across critical sectors: energy, finance, healthcare, transport, water supply, and digital services.

The directive isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about building real resilience, transparency, and the ability to stand firm when attacks strike.

And they do strike. We’ve already seen energy companies compromised through vulnerable firewalls, and transport networks paralyzed because a subcontractor had to pull the plug. If we don’t take NIS2 seriously, incidents like these will become everyday occurrences.

Denmark chose precision – but lost momentum

Denmark opted for a sector-specific model. It makes sense on paper, but in practice, it has slowed us down. While energy and finance have surged ahead - using DORA and CER as springboards - healthcare, transport, and water utilities are still searching for clear guidelines.

Municipalities and SMEs are left carrying the responsibility, yet still face uncertainty about what’s required of them. Digital service providers are stuck in limbo - bound by EU law but lacking national support.

We call it a “strategic trade-off.” But let’s be honest: many organizations are unsure what their next step should be—or, more importantly, what good actually looks like in practice.

For boards and executives, the message is simple: registration does not equal protection. Being on the list doesn’t make you secure. You must be ready when the crisis hits.

Cybersecurity can no longer be parked in the IT department or outsourced to consultants. It’s a leadership responsibility. And those who fail to take ownership are gambling with their business, their customers, and society as a whole.

The state must deliver – not just demand

Authorities also carry a heavy responsibility. When sectoral regulations are missing and guidance is unclear, confusion follows. When our defenses are fragmented, we leave the door open to those who seek entry. Fragmented compliance isn’t just a risk - it’s an invitation.

Without coordination across government, regions, and sectors, we’ll end up with a patchwork of solutions that attackers can easily exploit. Authorities such as the Ministry of National Security are well-positioned to take on this challenge, and I look forward to seeing the full impact of this new ministry.

This is it.

NIS2 is not a drill. It’s not a “nice to have.” It’s a fundamental condition for a digital Denmark, where threats are growing and adversaries are well-funded and strategic.

The next phase demands clarity, consistency, and courage. Not more statements of intent - but concrete action that leads to genuine security.

So let’s call it what it is:

• If your organization thinks registration was the finish line, you’re wrong.

• If your board hasn’t taken ownership, you’ve already lost.

• And if the state fails to provide clear frameworks, we all lose as a society.

The threats are real. The directive is demanding. But the mission - to build a resilient and secure Denmark - is non-negotiable if we want to preserve our free, deeply digital way of life.

The question is: do we have the perseverance to see it through?