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NIS2 and cyber awareness: Turning compliance into practical training

Feb 20, 2026

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cyber security isn’t just an IT concern, it’s foundational to business resilience. The Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) is the European Union’s latest legislative framework aimed at strengthening cyber security across critical sectors. It replaces the original NIS Directive, expanding both the number of organisations covered and the expectations placed upon them.

At its core, NIS2 was introduced to uplift cyber security standards across the EU, providing a consistent baseline for risk management, incident reporting, and resilience. It broadens its scope to include more sectors like public administration, digital infrastructure, healthcare, transport, and manufacturing and it tightens requirements around incident response and organisational accountability.

Organisations that fall under NIS2 must establish risk based cyber security measures, adopt appropriate incident response protocols, and make sure staff are equipped with the knowledge to recognise and respond to threats. While the directive itself doesn’t prescribe specific technical tools, it does emphasise the importance of preparedness, particularly through effective training and awareness programmes.

Whether you’re directly within scope or working with EU partners and supply chains that are, NIS2 serves as a reminder that strong cyber awareness isn’t just good practice, it’s increasingly expected.

How training moves the needle

Did you know that up to 90% of employees click on a phishing simulation the first time it’s run?

With Boxphish’s real-world simulations and tailored training, organisations see a dramatic drop in susceptibility. Employees learn, adapt, and start spotting threats before they become incidents. Combine that with in-depth reporting dashboards, bespoke courses for different teams, gamification to increase engagement/knowledge retention and Microsoft Teams integration to reinforce learning, and compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes. I’s about real, measurable improvement in cyber awareness across your organisation.


1. Reporting that makes training matter

Boxphish isn’t just about sending out modules, it’s about tracking impact. Our reporting tools give you real insight into engagement, comprehension, and behavioural change:

  • In-depth dashboards: See which employees or teams are engaging with training and their results, effortlessly identifying those who may need extra support.
  • Actionable insights: Identify trends, weaknesses, and improvements over time.
  • Teams integration: Deliver training, reminders and notifications directly in Microsoft Teams for higher completion and engagement rates.

With Boxphish, reporting doesn’t just tick a regulatory box; it highlights where training is working and where extra focus is needed.


2. Training designed for real people

One-size-fits-all training is ineffective. Boxphish takes a practical, role-based approach:

  • Bespoke courses: Tailored content for different departments and job levels.
  • Real-world phishing simulations: Employees face realistic scenarios to learn by doing.
  • Interactive modules: Bite-sized lessons that keep attention and reinforce learning.

NIS2 emphasises staff awareness and Boxphish makes this achievable through training that actually sticks.


3. Practical tools for ongoing preparedness

Beyond simulations, Boxphish offers tools to make training proactive rather than reactive:

  • Dark web scanning: Detect exposed credentials before they become a problem.
  • Targeted training follow-ups: Use results from simulations and scans to deliver relevant lessons.
  • Continuous updates: Training evolves alongside emerging threats, keeping your organisation prepared.

This approach ensures your team learns from real-world scenarios, rather than abstract warnings.


4. Embedding awareness without overcomplicating compliance

NIS2 isn’t just a tick-box exercise. Boxphish helps organisations embed cyber awareness into day-to-day behaviour:

  • Regular reinforcement: Automated reminders and fresh content keep learning top-of-mind.
  • Progress tracking: Quickly identify gaps and deliver targeted interventions.
  • Clear evidence of engagement: Demonstrate compliance with confidence, backed by training metrics.

Training becomes a natural part of work, not an additional chore or audit exercise.


5. From compliance to confidence

Ultimately, NIS2 compliance is easier to achieve when you focus on practical training and awareness:

  • Engaging simulations and bespoke courses make learning relevant.
  • Reporting and dashboards turn insights into action.
  • Integration with tools like Microsoft Teams ensures participation is seamless.
  • Gamification and interactive features help engagement and knowledge retention.

Boxphish helps organisations transform regulatory requirements into meaningful training that strengthens security culture and protects the business not just for compliance, but for confidence in your team.

This article is designed to give you a high level overview of the NIS2 Directive, along with details on how Boxphish supports organisations in becoming MIS2 compliant. You’ll find full details here from the European Commission.

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