Under the NIS directive, who must a CSP inform following an incident affecting essential service continuity?

The correct answer is that a Cloud Service Provider (CSP) must inform competent authorities following an incident affecting the continuity of essential services under the Network and Information Systems (NIS) directive. This requirement is in place to ensure that governmental bodies responsible for overseeing cybersecurity are made aware of incidents that could impact the security and continuity of essential services, allowing them to respond appropriately and mitigate any wider risks to public safety and national security.

Competent authorities are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring and ensuring the security of network and information systems across essential service sectors. By notifying these authorities, a CSP helps facilitate a coordinated response, enhances the overall security posture of essential services, and contributes to the resilience of the digital infrastructure. The directive emphasizes accountability and the necessity for CSPs to engage with regulatory bodies following breaches or incidents that could hinder service effectiveness.

The importance of this measure reflects the growing interdependency between digital services and essential societal functions, underlining the need for proactive communication and action in the event of security incidents.