Cybersecurity laws delayed in France

For nearly two years, the adaptation of European cybersecurity regulations into French law has been treated as a technical task rather than a priority. The NIS 2, REC, and DORA regulations, meant to strengthen organizational resilience against cyberattacks, have been delayed despite European deadlines.

Cyber threats are real and growing

Recent cyber incidents targeting key French institutions, such as the ANTS and DGFIP, have shown that no organization is immune to cyber threats. These attacks have highlighted the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures across all sectors, from local governments to major corporations.

France lagged behind European standards

Despite the growing cyber threats, France has fallen behind in implementing European cybersecurity standards. This delay has left many organizations unprepared, even as the European Union has already published the necessary guidelines and frameworks for compliance.

Legal delays no longer a valid excuse

Many organizations have used the lack of a finalized law as an excuse to delay cybersecurity efforts. However, the necessary legal frameworks have been available for years, and the European texts are now clear. The time for excuses is over.

Cybersecurity becomes a governance issue

The new regulations mark a shift in how cybersecurity is viewed. It is no longer just a technical matter for IT departments but a strategic issue for organizational leaders. Cybersecurity now joins financial management and compliance as a direct responsibility of top management.

Resilience, not just compliance, is key

The focus is no longer just on proving that security measures exist, but on demonstrating that an organization can effectively manage, detect, and recover from cyber incidents. This shift emphasizes resilience over mere compliance with regulations.

Local authorities face unique challenges

Local governments are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and expertise. They are now prime targets for cyberattacks, as they manage critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Strengthening their cybersecurity is essential for the overall resilience of the national system.

Managing complexity requires industrial approaches

The complexity of cybersecurity compliance has grown significantly, moving beyond simple spreadsheets or basic procedures. Organizations that have matured their approach now use dedicated platforms to manage compliance in a structured and industrialized way.

Certifications are a critical part of compliance

Beyond the main regulations, organizations must also deal with security certifications. These require a thorough understanding of their information systems, risks, and decisions made by management. This process aligns closely with the principles of the new cybersecurity regulations.

The time to act is now

With the delay in legal implementation now over, organizations must act immediately. Cyberattacks do not pause for regulatory changes. Those who wait until the last moment will find themselves unprepared when the next major incident occurs.