The NIS2 Quality Mark is a certification scheme designed to help organizations comply with the European NIS2 Directive on network and information security. It offers a structured and scalable approach for demonstrating digital resilience — not only internally, but also to clients, regulators, and supply chain partners. The mark is especially valuable for suppliers who are indirectly impacted by NIS2 and must demonstrate accountability to essential or critical entities.

Background: NIS2 and the supply chain

The NIS2 Directive requires thousands of European companies to implement strict cybersecurity measures. But the impact extends beyond these directly regulated entities. Under NIS2, organizations must also assess and manage the cybersecurity of their suppliers, creating a ripple effect throughout the supply chain.

For many (often mid-sized) suppliers, it’s unclear what is expected of them. The NIS2 Quality Mark offers a clear, practical framework for meeting these expectations.

How does the NIS2 Quality Mark work?

Developed by the Stichting Kwaliteit & Innovatie, the Quality Mark consists of three certification levels:

• QM10 – Basic: For suppliers with a low risk profile but connected to NIS2-regulated clients. Focuses on essential security and awareness.
• QM20 – Substantial: For organizations with elevated risk, such as those with access to sensitive systems or data.
• QM30 – High: For critical suppliers whose compromise could significantly disrupt essential services.

This tiered structure ensures scalability: small vendors can start with a low-barrier entry level, while high-risk entities undergo a more comprehensive assessment.

The approach includes self-assessments, verifiable controls, and external audits, and aligns with existing standards like ISO 27001 and NEN 7510 — making it practical to adopt without unnecessary red tape.

Why does it matter for your organization?

If you’re part of a supply chain serving vital sectors — such as energy, healthcare, finance, or logistics — you will increasingly face questions about your cybersecurity posture. Without verifiable measures, you may be excluded from tenders or face heightened scrutiny.

The NIS2 Quality Mark allows you to demonstrate your maturity in a standardized and recognizable way. This builds trust and helps you gain internal control over digital risks.

RiskStudio’s role in the NIS2 Quality Mark

RiskStudio supports organizations in identifying, assessing, and managing digital risks across their supply chain — aligning perfectly with the purpose of the NIS2 Quality Mark. With RiskStudio, you gain automatic insight into the cyber posture of your suppliers, including real-time alerts on data breaches, ransomware attacks, and known vulnerabilities.

You can organize suppliers around internal processes, categorize them according to QM10, QM20, or QM30 levels, and assign responsibilities for targeted action. This enables you to use the NIS2 Quality Mark not just for compliance, but as a strategic risk management tool.

By connecting the Quality Mark to RiskStudio, you shift from one-time compliance to continuous, actionable control. Clarity, insight, and confidence — that’s what RiskStudio delivers.