GDPR vs NIS2: What WordPress Admins Need to Know

If you manage a WordPress site in the EU, you're likely familiar with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). But now there's a new player: NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive 2). Both are EU regulations, both affect WordPress sites, but they serve different purposes.

This guide breaks down the key differences, overlaps, and what you need to know to comply with both.

Quick Overview

What is GDPR?

GDPR is a data protection regulation that governs how organizations collect, process, store, and share personal data of EU residents.

GDPR Requirements for WordPress

• Cookie consent banners
• Privacy policy explaining data processing
• Data Subject Access Requests (DSAR) handling
• Right to be forgotten implementation
• Data breach notifications (within 72 hours)
• Privacy by design and default

What is NIS2?

NIS2 is a cybersecurity directive that requires organizations to implement robust security measures to protect their networks and information systems.

NIS2 Requirements for WordPress

• Activity logging of all system events
• Vulnerability management (scanning, patching)
• Incident detection and reporting (24-72 hour timeline)
• Access controls and authentication
• Backup and recovery procedures
• Supply chain security (plugin/theme vetting)

Key Differences Between GDPR and NIS2

1. Scope and Applicability

GDPR: Applies to anyone processing EU personal data - includes small businesses, blogs, e-commerce sites

NIS2: Applies to specific sectors (energy, transport, health, digital infrastructure, etc.) with size thresholds: 50+ employees or €10M+ revenue

2. Primary Focus

GDPR: Data privacy - Protecting individuals' personal information, user rights and consent, transparency in data processing

NIS2: Cybersecurity - Protecting systems and networks, operational resilience, incident prevention and response

Where GDPR and NIS2 Overlap

While distinct, the regulations complement each other:

1. Security Measures

Both require appropriate technical and organizational security measures. Overlap: Encryption, access controls, security monitoring

2. Incident Reporting

Both have incident notification requirements. Many security incidents involve personal data, triggering both regulations.

3. Documentation

Both require extensive documentation. Security documentation serves both purposes.

Practical Compliance Strategy for WordPress

Step 1: Determine Applicability

GDPR: If you process any EU personal data → You must comply

NIS2: Check if you're in a covered sector and meet size thresholds

Step 2: Implement Overlapping Controls

Start with measures that satisfy both:

1. Strong Access Controls - GDPR: Prevents unauthorized data access | NIS2: Protects system integrity
2. Comprehensive Logging - GDPR: Demonstrates accountability | NIS2: Enables incident detection
3. Regular Backups - GDPR: Ensures data availability | NIS2: Supports business continuity
4. Security Updates - GDPR: Maintains data security | NIS2: Reduces vulnerabilities

Conclusion

GDPR and NIS2 are complementary regulations that together create a robust framework for data protection and cybersecurity. While GDPR focuses on privacy and NIS2 on security, many requirements overlap, allowing for efficient dual compliance.

Key Takeaways:

• GDPR applies broadly; NIS2 to specific sectors
• GDPR protects data privacy; NIS2 ensures cybersecurity
• Many security measures satisfy both regulations
• Unified compliance tools save time and effort
• Both carry significant penalties for non-compliance

Ready to achieve GDPR and NIS2 compliance? Explore Unify Compliance - the all-in-one solution for WordPress compliance.

About the Author: Arwen Digital specializes in compliance solutions for WordPress. Our Unify Compliance plugin helps organizations meet GDPR, NIS2, and EU AI Act requirements from a single dashboard.