The point: The NIS2 Directive makes executives personally liable for cybersecurity breaches in approximately 29,500 German companies.
The EU’s NIS2 Directive requires approximately 29,500 companies in Germany to meet higher cybersecurity standards and for the first time holds executives personally accountable. This regulation directly affects CISOs and management in the implementation of protective measures.
The European Union’s National Industry and Cybersecurity Strategy (NIS2) requires a large group of companies in Germany to comply with specific cybersecurity requirements. In total, approximately 29,500 companies are affected, classified as critical infrastructure or essential services.
A key feature of the NIS2 Directive is the introduction of personal liability for executives and senior management. This means that not only the companies themselves, but also their responsible managers can be held liable for violations of cybersecurity requirements. This personal liability creates a direct incentive for management to prioritize cybersecurity as a board-level issue and provide adequate resources.
For CISOs, this regulation increases the relevance of their role in management: the documentation of security measures, audits and governance processes becomes the basis for demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements. At the same time, management expects CISOs to provide reliable risk analyses and implement protective measures to minimize their personal liability exposure.
Source: news.google.com · Published 13 July 2026
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