Note: This article was originally published on the Ivanti Blog.
Summary
As organizations prepare for the stringent requirements of the European Union’s Network and Information Security (NIS2) Directive, the initial and most critical phase of readiness begins with comprehensive auditing. Conducting a thorough security audit is a complex, multi-layered process that cannot be rushed. Organizations must evaluate their entire operational landscape, mapping existing security controls against established frameworks like NIST CSF or ISO standards. This process requires a meticulous inventory of all hardware, software, data flows, and third-party dependencies to ensure complete visibility across the supply chain, as supply chain security is a major focal point under NIS2.
The primary objective of these initial audits is to uncover hidden vulnerabilities, shadow IT, and operational gaps before regulatory bodies or malicious actors find them. Because these assessments involve deep cross-departmental reviews—coordinating input from IT, legal, risk management, and executive leadership—they demand substantial time and resources. Waiting until the last minute risks producing superficial results, leaving critical blind spots unaddressed and exposing the organization to severe legal and financial penalties. By starting the auditing process early, security teams can establish an accurate baseline of their current risk posture, prioritize remediation efforts, and build a solid foundation for continuous compliance.