Germany’s New NIS2 Cybersecurity Law

Bundestag Approves NIS2 Law (Nov 13, 2025) – Summary

On November 13, 2025, the German Bundestag passed the NIS2 Implementation Act, transposing the EU’s NIS2 Directive into national law. The new law greatly broadens the scope of organizations subject to cybersecurity rules. Previously, only critical infrastructure operators were targeted; now it will apply to many more sectors (e.g. health, transport, digital services, manufacturing). As a result, an estimated 30,000 additional companies will fall under NIS2, although small businesses under 50 employees or €10 million turnover remain exempt. Midsize startups and SMBs above these thresholds are likely in scope and should prepare accordingly.

What NIS2 Means for Startups and SMBs

For startups and SMBs meeting the size criteria, the NIS2 law brings significant cybersecurity obligations. Key requirements include:

• Broader Scope & Security Measures: If your company has over 50 employees or €10 M+ turnover and operates in an in-scope sector, you must implement extensive cybersecurity measures. This includes putting  a risk management framework in place and other technical and organizational controls. Adopting a formal information security management system (ISMS) aligned with a standard like ISO 27001 is advisable, as it covers most NIS2 requirements and simplifies compliance.
• Mandatory Incident Reporting: Significant cyber incidents must be reported to the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) within 24 hours, with a detailed follow-up report within 72 hours. This strict 24/72-hour timeline means you need an incident response plan and 24/7 monitoring to catch incidents quickly. Missing these deadlines can trigger regulatory penalties.
• Leadership Accountability: NIS2 puts cybersecurity responsibility at the executive level. Management must oversee and approve security measures, and top executives will be required to undergo cybersecurity training. If your company fails to meet its obligations, personal liability for individual managers is possible (In other words, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue – it’s a boardroom priority.)
• Enforcement and Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover. Regulators also have powers to audit your organization and issue binding instructions to fix deficiencies. Major security lapses could result in reputational damage and operational disruptions.

Next Steps Before the Law Takes Effect

The act still needs approval by the Bundesrat (upper house) and official publication, but this final step is expected soon. Once published, the law takes effect immediately with no transition period, leaving almost no time for companies to prepare. If you think your business might be in scope, urgently assess your readiness and start bolstering cybersecurity measures – regulators will expect full compliance from day one.

How Secfix Can Get You NIS2-Ready Fast

Complying with NIS2 may sound daunting for a small company. This is where Secfix can help. Secfix’s all-in-one compliance platform helps you implement security standards quickly – in fact, companies become compliant up to 90% faster with Secfix. Our automated platform breaks down complex NIS2 requirements into manageable steps, saving your team time and effort. It also helps implement an ISO 27001-grade ISMS covering key controls from risk assessments to incident response, aligning your security with NIS2’s requirements.

By using Secfix, you won’t need to hire consultants or spend months building a compliance program from scratch. The platform provides ready-made templates, continuous monitoring, and expert guidance tailored for small businesses. It centralizes your documentation and evidence, keeping you audit-ready at all times. Secfix even offers dashboards and reports to keep management in the loop and demonstrate due diligence under NIS2. Our solution lets you fast-track NIS2 readiness without straining your resources.

Act Now – Book a Demo to Ensure Compliance

Enforcement is looming, so now is the time for startups and SMBs to act. Fortunately, with the right approach, compliance can become a business enabler rather than a burden. Don’t wait, act now to protect your business and meet the new requirements. Book a free Secfix demo today or contact our team to learn how we can get your company NIS2-compliant quickly. Secure your startup’s future by staying ahead of these regulations, we’re here to help.