NIS2 law and software licenses: a strategic challenge for corporate compliance

Cybersecurity has become a key issue for European organizations. With the entry into force of the NIS2 Directive, information system security requirements are becoming significantly more stringent.

While the directive is often discussed in terms of critical infrastructure or technical protection measures, one topic is still not addressed sufficiently: the management of software licenses, particularly Microsoft licenses, from a compliance and risk management perspective.

NIS2: a strengthened framework for cybersecurity in Europe

The NIS2 (Network and Information Security 2) directive replaces the first NIS directive of 2016. It broadens the scope of companies concerned and imposes stricter obligations in terms of:

• cyber risk management,
• information system security,
• governance,
• management responsibility,
• and incident reporting.

Financial penalties have also been increased, with fines of up to several million euros for non-compliance.

In practical terms, this means that companies must demonstrate complete control over their IT environment, including the software they use.

Why are software licenses affected by NIS2?

Poor license management can lead to:

• the use of obsolete, unsupported versions,
• the absence of security patches,
• non-compliant installations,
• insufficient traceability in the event of an audit.

However, the directive requires companies to implement appropriate security measures and guarantee the integrity of their information systems.

This involves, in particular:

• a precise inventory of deployed software,
• rigorous management of usage rights,
• the ability to prove the legitimacy of licenses in the event of an inspection.

IT governance and executive responsibility

One of the major contributions of NIS2 is the strengthening of executive accountability. Members of senior management can now be held liable for serious breaches of cybersecurity obligations.

In this context, license management is no longer solely the responsibility of the IT department: it has become a matter of governance.

Companies must be able to demonstrate a clear policy for managing software assets, control processes, and a strategy for updating and maintaining operational readiness.

Second life Microsoft licenses and regulatory compliance: compatible with NIS2?

The use of second life licenses, which is legal in the European Union, can be perfectly compatible with NIS2, provided that traceability, proof of transfer, contractual compliance, and the proper allocation of usage rights are respected.

Within a NIS2 framework, they can even constitute:

• an economically optimized solution,
• a lever for alignment with CSR policies,
• a relevant alternative for maintaining stable and secure environments.

The key remains documentary compliance and complete traceability of licenses.

Anticipate needs and make a difference

The NIS2 Directive marks a new stage in securing information systems in Europe.

In this context, software license management, particularly Microsoft licenses, is becoming a strategic issue at the crossroads of cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and IT governance.

Some of your customers are still using licenses that are no longer supported by Microsoft. It is therefore essential to help them transition to viable alternatives today.