A European “Toolbox” to Strengthen Supply Chain Security

The NIS Cooperation Group, a body of the European Commission established under the NIS Directive, published on 13 February 2026 a new cybersecurity doctrine for supply chains. Presented as a “toolbox,” it aims to assess the criticality of a supplier no longer on the basis of its potential vulnerabilities, but according to the consequences that its compromise would entail.

The document outlines numerous concrete attack scenarios to help organizations fully grasp the risks. It also provides a series of recommendations, including the implementation of a risk management framework based on targeted analyses and a structured approach.

Experts also call for strengthening the flexibility and resilience of supply chains, notably through multi-supplier strategies and, where necessary, the exclusion of subcontractors deemed to pose a “high national risk.” In addition to this “toolbox,” the NIS Cooperation Group has published two sectoral risk analyses on supply chains, focusing on connected vehicles and border control equipment.