Cybersecurity: Now an Executive Responsibility As cybersecurity threats transcend mere technical issues to become a matter of corporate survival, a crucial question arises: 'Is building technical safeguards enough?' The European Union (EU) has provided a clear answer: the full implementation of the NIS2 (Network and Information Security 2) Directive. Starting in 2026, NIS2 will be fully implemented across the EU as the new standard for cybersecurity. This is not merely an amendment to NIS1, but a complete paradigm shift encompassing extensive changes designed to address the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. Among these, the most notable change is the subject of responsibility. What was previously a responsibility primarily borne by IT teams or security departments is now explicitly extended to executive management. It has been elevated from a simple technical incident to an 'enterprise-wide risk' that must be addressed at the board level. This demands more than just internal corporate changes. Backed by strong financial penalties for regulatory non-compliance and enhanced legal accountability for executives, the directive effectively aims to fundamentally alter the mindset across the entire enterprise. NIS2 is also innovative in its scope. While the original NIS was limited to certain critical infrastructures and entities such as finance and energy, NIS2 significantly expands its reach to a much broader range of industries beyond traditional critical infrastructure. This includes not only energy, transport, healthcare, and manufacturing, but also digital service providers, cloud platforms, SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, Managed Service Providers, and public administration. Particularly noteworthy is the expansion of scope to include supply chains and service dependencies. This means that numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and technology providers, previously outside the scope of regulation, are now subject to compliance. This intricate regulatory network has been forged in the context of interconnected global supply chains. For many companies operating in the European market or collaborating with European businesses, this presents a significant reality. Given that the scope of regulation has expanded to include not only large corporations but also SMEs, this is likely to be a game-changer for many companies aiming for global expansion. So, what are the main components of NIS2? First, ultimate responsibility for cybersecurity now shifts to C-Level executives. NIS2 does not confine cybersecurity responsibility to the IT team but explicitly holds management accountable for risk management, incident handling, and regulatory compliance. This is no longer a situation that can be attributed solely to the failure of security personnel. For instance, if an incident occurs due to non-compliance, companies could face fines of up to €10 million or 2% of their global annual turnover, whichever is higher. Furthermore, some board members may face disqualification or temporary suspension from their duties. Such strong enforcement powers, including personal liability, can threaten the very existence of a company, not just result in a simple security incident. Enhanced EU Regulations: Impact on Korean Companies Second, existing security policies, controls, and certifications are no longer sufficient. NIS2 demands that companies establish a higher level of security framework across the entire process, from incident prevention to actual damage recovery. To achieve this, regular security testing and security assessments across the entire supply chain will become mandatory. Many companies must recognize that their existing controls, policies, and certifications may be insufficient for NIS2 compliance and will need to take additional measures. Third, the new regulations emphasize not only internal but also external aspects. By clarifying responsibilities for supply chain management and third-party dependencies, it aims for a security network based on cooperation and transparency, moving away from the traditional model where each company operates independently. These strong enforcement powers and financial penalties are pressuring companies to take NIS2 requirements seriously and implement immediate actions. Of course, these changes are not welcomed by all companies. Some express concerns that stringent regulations will impose a burden on business operations. Meeting the complex requirements of NIS2 necessitates significant investment, which can pose an operational challenge, especially for SMEs. Moreover, a structure that directly holds executives accountable demands prudence in decision-making. Despite these concerns, it is clear that a more urgent response from companies is needed as cyber threats continue to evolve daily. While organizational changes and investments may be required in the short term, a robust security framework can, in the long run, enhance a company's survival prospects and str