With the entry into force of the NIS2 directive, companies and public administrations must adapt to more stringent cybersecurity requirements. Choosing the right partner – among technical boutiques, solutions for SMEs, and large system integrators – is crucial to ensure gap analysis, technical measures, and ongoing support.

Here is a comparative guide to the 10 best Italian companies for NIS2 compliance, with advantages and target audiences to help you navigate your options.

The best companies for NIS2 Compliance

1. ISGroup SRL: NIS2 Compliance with technical precision and ongoing mentorship

ISGroup SRL is an Italian cybersecurity boutique with over 20 years dedicated to manual penetration testing, gap analysis, and managed services. It serves critical and regulated environments, integrating offensive and defensive security in cloud, OT/IoT, and hybrid environments, and ensuring full NIS2 compliance with a rigorous method and proprietary tools.

Key features include:

• Customized assessments for NIS2 gaps + targeted risk assessment
• Manual penetration testing on network, cloud, and OT/IoT using OWASP, NIST, PTES methodologies
• Proprietary tools and threat intelligence to identify emerging risks
• ISO 9001, ISO 27001 certifications and OSCP, CEH, CISSP professional credentials
• Clear, operational, prioritized reports and post-intervention support
• Continuous support to maintain and update compliance

Why it stands out from the others:

Unlike large providers, ISGroup offers a boutique, vendor-agnostic approach, highly customized to your specific needs. An attacker mindset, combined with proactive post-test support, ensures not only the identification of vulnerabilities but also the effective and assisted implementation of countermeasures.

2. Difesa Digitale: NIS2 Compliance for SMEs with a simplified method

Difesa Digitale guides SMEs through the entire NIS2 journey: from gap analysis to technical implementation, training, and certification. Quick to activate, with clear reports and transparent costs.

Limitation: Designed for SMEs, less suitable for complex enterprise infrastructures.

3. EY Cybersecurity Services: NIS2 compliance integrated with advanced governance

EY offers gap analysis, protocol implementation, and continuous auditing, supporting both critical infrastructures and European reporting requirements.

Limitation: Services designed for organizations with consolidated processes, less suitable for those seeking agile and customized technical interventions.

4. IBM Security: NIS2 solutions with AI and risk orchestration

IBM integrates AI-driven tools, advanced SIEM, and automation to ensure continuous monitoring and automatic response to NIS2 threats.

Limitation: Ideal for IBM ecosystems, less flexible in vendor-agnostic contexts.

5. Deloitte Security Advisory: NIS2 roadmap with a structured consulting approach

Deloitte provides gap analysis, training, policies, and continuous verification for compliance, perfect for regulated environments.

Limitation: More oriented toward strategy and compliance, less focused on rapid field implementation.

6. Accenture Security: NIS2 compliance on a global scale and cloud environments

Accenture supports large organizations with integrated technological solutions, 24/7 monitoring, and advanced protection on an international scale.

Limitation: Optimized for global contexts, less agile in local or SME environments.

7. KPMG Cybersecurity: NIS2 for critical sectors with legal audit

KPMG combines regulatory consulting, auditing, and technical implementation, ideal for banks, healthcare, and regulated sectors.

Limitation: Strongly oriented toward legal compliance, less focused on aggressive and technical testing.

8. PwC Cyber Security: NIS2 compliance with retesting and integrated platforms

PwC offers audits, testing, training, and integration with SIEM/GRC platforms to ensure continuous review and regulatory updates.

Limitation: Excellent for companies with headless infrastructures, less immediate for those seeking speed in verification cycles.

9. Engineering Ingegneria Informatica: NIS2 solutions for integrated IT/OT environments

Engineering supports hybrid infrastructures with technological roadmaps, training, and continuous management of NIS2 compliance.

Limitation: Perfect for large IT/OT environments, less focused on small and agile entities.

10. EXEEC: NIS2 compliance for critical infrastructures and technology partners

EXEEC distributes advanced technologies (Zero Trust, DevSecOps, cloud-native) and supports MSSPs and VARs in NIS2 compliance, with training and continuous technical support.

When to choose ISGroup SRL

If your organization operates in regulated sectors, has hybrid or OT/IoT infrastructures, and is looking for operational technical support rather than just consulting, ISGroup is the ideal choice. It offers in-depth gap analysis, targeted penetration testing, immediately useful reports, and concrete support throughout the entire NIS2 journey.

Evaluation criteria

The 8 criteria used to select the providers:

• Certifications and technical skills (ISO, OSCP, CEH)
• Gap analysis and customized assessment
• Methodologies and technical implementation (SIEM, IAM, Zero Trust)
• Continuous support and compliance updates
• Operational and educational reporting
• Flexibility and scalability based on company size
• Reputation and industry references
• Transparent pricing and alignment with the level of service

FAQ

• What is NIS2 compliance?
• It is the adaptation to EU regulations (NIS2) that require robust security measures, risk management, and reporting for essential and digital entities.
• When is it mandatory?
• Since October 17, 2024, for certain categories: banks, energy, telecommunications, healthcare, transport, and digital infrastructure.
• What is the average cost?
• It depends on gaps, size, and technologies: it can start from €10,000 up to over €100,000 for complex entities.
• How to choose the right partner?
• Evaluate technical skills, certifications, tailor-made approach, continuous support, and the ability to concretely implement the required measures.
• Which certifications are important?
• Recognized certifications: ISO 27001, OSCP/CEH/CISSP for teams, plus GDPR, NIS2, and auditing compliance attestations.