What is NIS 2?
The NIS 2 Directive (EU) 2022/2555 is the European Union’s updated legislation aimed at strengthening cybersecurity resilience across member states. It requires essential and important entities in sectors such as energy, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and public administration to:
Effectively manage cybersecurity risks
Operate secure information systems
Report incidents promptly
Secure their supply chains
This directive underpins Europe’s strategy to counter growing cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and vital services.
Why NIS 2 is Vital for EU Cybersecurity
Since the original NIS Directive of 2016, cyber threats have increased in scale and complexity. NIS 2 responds by:
- Expanding scope to include more sectors and medium-sized companies
- Imposing stronger risk management and incident reporting requirements
- Highlighting supply chain and vendor security risks
- Introducing stricter enforcement and penalties for non-compliance
As a result, organizations and their technology suppliers must elevate cybersecurity standards to ensure operational continuity and data protection.
How DrayTek Products Support NIS 2 Compliance
DrayTek, a global network solution brand, provides secure, reliable routers, switches, and wireless access points to many EU entities impacted by NIS 2. While DrayTek as a manufacturer is not directly regulated by NIS 2, we align our products and services with its cybersecurity principles to support our customers’ compliance goals.
Key Security Practices Aligned with NIS 2
| NIS 2 Requirement | DrayTek Commitment | |
|---|---|---|
| Secure by design and default | Devices ship with hardened settings, secure protocols (HTTPS, SSH), and disabled legacy access by default | |
| Secure software development lifecycle | Firmware development incorporates code reviews, vulnerability testing, and signed builds | |
| Timely patch management | Frequent firmware updates and advisories address newly discovered vulnerabilities swiftly | |
| Supply chain transparency | Use of SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials) and tightly controlled manufacturing | |
| Incident response coordination | Dedicated security contact and customer coordination processes | |
| Comprehensive documentation | Security deployment guides, configuration checklists, and best practices | |
| Boot-level firmware protection | Secure Boot helps reinforce NIS 2-aligned security by validating firmware integrity at startup—reducing the risk of persistent malware or unauthorized code execution |
DrayTek Devices Supporting NIS 2 Compliance
DrayOS 5 Next-Generation Routers:
Key Features Supported Across All Models:
- User Role Management with fine-grained privilege controls
- Digitally Signed Firmware to ensure software integrity and prevent tampering
- Comprehensive VPN Support
- Protocols: IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard
- Includes Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using TOTP for enhanced VPN security
- Zero-Touch Provisioning through TR-069 and Auto Configuration Server (ACS) for scalable and remote deployment
Robust and Widely Deployed Routers:
What Makes These Models a Smart Investment?
- Proven Reliability: Tested and trusted by thousands of businesses worldwide.
- Extensive VPN Options: Supports IPSec, SSL, L2TP, OpenVPN, and WireGuard with built-in two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Enhanced Security: TOTP-based 2FA secures VPN access, protecting critical business data.
- Efficient Management: Compatible with TR-069 and ACS for streamlined remote configuration and monitoring.
- Consistent Firmware Updates: Ensures long-term security and feature enhancements.
- Reduced IT Complexity: Uniform firmware across models eases maintenance and training.
Wireless Access Points:
The Role of Access Points in Strengthening Cybersecurity:
- WPA3 enterprise wireless security
- VLAN and SSID segmentation
- Centralized management and rogue AP detection
- Encrypted firmware updates and secure administration
Managed Switches:
Features Supporting Compliance Include:
- 802.1X port-based access control
- ACLs, DHCP snooping, DoS prevention
- Secure management via HTTPS and SSH
- PoE+ support for critical devices like IP cameras and wireless APs
...and more current or future models designed to meet evolving cybersecurity requirements.
Enhancing Compliance with Advanced Cybersecurity Tools
In addition to our core hardware, DrayTek offers powerful cybersecurity solutions such as URL/IP reputation filtering, VigorACS 3 device management, VigorConnect network management, and VPN Matcher for secure VPN automation. While these tools themselves are not explicitly regulated under NIS 2, they provide essential capabilities that help organizations achieve and maintain NIS 2 compliance by:
- Enhancing threat detection and mitigation
- Centralizing secure device management
- Enabling reliable and automated secure remote access
- Streamlining network visibility and control
Smart VPN, Port Knocking & Secure Boot: Strengthening System Integrity
NIS 2 emphasizes secure system design and controlled access. DrayTek’s technologies respond to this with:
- Smart VPN – Encrypted, policy-based VPN access with support for 2FA
- Port Knocking – Covert access control that only reveals open ports after a correct sequence
- Secure Boot – Ensures only authenticated firmware is loaded at boot time, preventing low-level attacks or persistent malware infections
Together, these tools help organizations maintain high-integrity systems, defend against unauthorized access, and fulfill NIS 2’s emphasis on secure operations.
Conclusion
As European cybersecurity regulations evolve, DrayTek remains dedicated to enabling customers to meet and exceed NIS 2 expectations. Through secure product design, timely firmware maintenance, comprehensive documentation, and advanced cybersecurity solutions—including VPN automation, device management, and access controls—DrayTek empowers critical sectors to build resilient, compliant, and secure networks.
Together with our partners and users, DrayTek helps safeguard Europe’s digital infrastructure today and into the future.