ENISA Issues Guide to Stress-Test Critical Systems

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has published a Cyber Stress Testing handbook aimed at strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure across member states. The new guide is designed to support the implementation of the NIS2 Directive, which enhances cybersecurity requirements for essential and important entities operating in sectors such as energy, transport, health, and digital infrastructure.

The handbook provides a structured approach to conducting cyber stress tests, enabling operators to assess their preparedness against evolving cyber threats. It outlines methodologies and best practices tailored to the complex operational environments of critical infrastructures, helping organizations identify vulnerabilities and improve incident response capabilities.

ENISA’s release comes as European institutions increase efforts to reinforce cybersecurity amid rising geopolitical tensions and a growing number of attacks on key systems. By aligning with the NIS2 Directive’s objectives, the handbook seeks to promote a harmonized and proactive cybersecurity posture across the EU’s critical sectors.