NIS2 Experts in Cologne
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Cologne, who have recently used NIS2
Halil Oeztoprak
Last position:
Senior Cloud Operations & DevSecOps Engineer (Azure / Terraform / CI-CD) at KfW Bankengruppe
Regulated environment within a German banking group (approx. 8,500 employees, hybrid cloud strategy).
Responsible for operating, provisioning, and continuously securing business-critical platforms – including a GenAI chat application, a big data/AI platform, and data science workspaces based on Azure Virtual Desktops and VMs. Ownership of Azure DevOps projects for ShaiHulud and React2Shell, as well as BSI alerts – Security Operations improvements across the SDLC.
Deployment responsibility for the GenAI chat application, big data/AI platform (BDAI), and data science workspaces (AVD/VM-based) in the respective landing zones.
Deployment & release management: end-to-end responsibility for deploying portal and service applications across multiple Azure landing zones, including technical approvals, compliance with development team deployment guidelines, and ensuring ITIL-based change and release processes via ServiceNow.
Azure landing zones & network architecture: design, provisioning, and operation of Azure landing zones for 3-tier web applications with enhanced network segmentation, VNet peering, hub-and-spoke architectures, private endpoints, and firewall integration across separate subscriptions and tenants.
Azure DevOps governance & operations: ownership of the Azure DevOps organization, including projects, repositories, and CI/CD pipelines; implementation of governance requirements such as branch policies, approval gates, permission models, and audit-ready operating structures.
Infrastructure as Code (Terraform): design, implementation, and operation of a modular Terraform architecture for standardized cloud infrastructure deployment, including state management, provider versioning, reusability, and policy-as-code approaches.
CI/CD pipeline engineering: design, operation, and optimization of complex YAML-based CI/CD pipelines with multi-stage deployments, template standardization, self-hosted agents, integrated secret management, and automated quality and security checks.
Git migration & platform consolidation: planning and execution of repository and pipeline migration from Azure DevOps to GitLab CI/CD, including automated scripts, full Git history transfer, pipeline porting, and platform consolidation.
Container & platform operations (AKS): operation and security assessment of containerized workloads on Azure Kubernetes Service, centralization of on-premises container registries for ACR.
OpenShift (OCP) security reviews: security assessment of code baselines, build pipelines, and deployment processes for on-premises OpenShift clusters with critical applications, and derivation of specific hardening recommendations.
Shift-left security & DevSecOps transformation: introduction of a company-wide shift-left approach for early security integration in development and deployment processes, enabling developers to perform self-led security checks and sustainably reduce vulnerabilities before production (IDE integrations, pre-commit hooks, local scanners).
Software supply chain security: analysis and mitigation of supply chain risks in NPM- and Yarn-based applications through dependency audits, CI/CD pipeline hardening, token rotation, and restriction of risky build and lifecycle mechanisms.
Frontend & framework security (React / Next.js): security assessment and coordination of critical vulnerability remediation across platform applications and web frameworks, including coordination and complementary technical mitigations with all teams following BSI alerts.
Software composition analysis (SCA): introduction and operation of automated vulnerability scans for container images, pipelines/artifacts, and third-party dependencies, including SBOM exports within CI/CD pipelines.
SAST/DAST integration: design and piloting of static and dynamic application security tests in close collaboration with security architecture and development teams, for continuous improvement of code and runtime security, and establishing operational acceptance tests.
Artifact & registry consolidation: analysis and consolidation of all package and container repositories for service applications and AKS workloads, aiming for a centralized, secured registry strategy with centralized vulnerability scanning and governance.
Dependency-Track & SBOM strategy: advising the compliance board on introducing a central SBOM and vulnerability management platform to increase enterprise-wide dependency transparency and accelerate CVE response capability.
CI/CD pipeline hardening: security analysis and cleanup of the existing pipeline landscape by removing unused pipelines, improving secrets hygiene, implementing least-privilege principles, and isolating build agent environments.
Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) optimization: analysis and tuning of existing Azure WAF rules (OWASP Top 10 Core Rule Set, DSR/SDC, custom rules) to defend against known vulnerabilities and exploit patterns, including reducing false positives and improving threat detection.
Documentation & stakeholder communication: creating and maintaining technical documentation, runbooks, and architecture overviews in Jira and Confluence, as well as active knowledge transfer between operations, development, security, and compliance stakeholders.
Serdar Colak
Last position:
Consultant at Freelance
- ISO 27001 implementation & audit readiness
- NIS2 & DORA compliance support
- Interim / fractional CISO services
- IT risk & controls (ITGC, SOX, COBIT, BAIT)
- M&A and IT due diligence for startups/ventures
- Business continuity management (BCM, ISO 22301)
- Cybersecurity framework development (NIST, ISO, BSI)
- GRC tool advisory (Archer, ServiceNow)
Valeri Milke
Last position:
Associate Partner - Information Security Consulting at Insentis GmbH
- Improvement of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO 27001, NIS2, DORA, B3S, TISAX and BSI IT Baseline Protection
- Conducting comprehensive gap analyses to identify gaps and derive action plans according to the above standards and regulations; management and KPIs
- Data Loss Prevention strategy and implementation using MS Purview
- Vulnerability and patch management, security monitoring
- Risk analysis and threat modeling using the STRIDE methodology
- Development of vendor risk assessments, implementation of risk classifications, conducting supplier assessments and implementing technical monitoring solutions (e.g. Security ScoreCard)
- Securing cloud environments (AWS and Azure); expertise in CSPM/CNAPP (Wiz), cloud migration, secure CI/CD pipelines, container security and best practices in AWS, Azure and Office 365
- Application security: penetration testing, DevSecOps, OWASP, pre-commit hooks, key and secret management, IDE plugins, static source code analysis, dependency checks, container scanning, vulnerability management, CIS benchmarks and compliance
- Security assessment and hardening according to CIS benchmarks and cloud conformity in AWS, Office 365 and Azure
Thomas Ullrich
Last position:
Senior Consultant / PM Infrastructure Services & Workplace Migration at Freelance
- All Windows clients are managed in a hybrid, central AD
- Client standardization
- Implementation of information security policy requirements
- Development of new infrastructure services delivered as a managed service by a new provider
- New IT platform is a central and secure directory service
- M365 Azure AD
- MS terminal services
- Zscaler
- M365 cloud for workplace management
- PaaS / SaaS is procured through a new provider
Pierre Gronau
Last position:
Ansible Automation, Windows Third Level Support at DB InfraGO AG
- PRISMA project
- Ansible automation
- Windows third level support for Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 2013, Windows 2016, Windows 2019
Fabian Flock
Last position:
OT Security Champion Europe at FCS Flock Consulting Services
- Conducted OT security assessments at European manufacturing facilities
- Analyzed and improved IT security processes and infrastructure
- Revised SOC processes in conjunction with the internal SOC team
- Conducted OT incident training and tabletop exercises
- Facilitated C-level workshops to align European OT security strategy
- Evaluated regulatory changes related to NIS2 and their relevance to the client
Nikolaus Betzler
Last position:
ICT Risk Management and Information Security at B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG
- Independently develop policies, guidelines, and frameworks for ICT risk management and information security
- Advise business units on ICT risk management and information security
- Further develop the ICT risk management framework that governs the identification, assessment, and control of ICT risks
- Evaluate the Information Security Management System (ISMS) and adjust it for new challenges
- Conduct risk analyses to identify and assess potential ICT risks and information security risks for the Metzler Group
- Advise on defining and implementing measures to reduce risks and improve the resilience of ICT systems
- Advise on ensuring compliance with relevant internal and external regulatory requirements (MaRisk, DORA, BAIT, BSI IT baseline protection, ISMS, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, ISO 27005, BCM ISO 22301)
- Advise on internal and cross-functional projects (SAP DORA compliance, Target2, Section 8a BSI Act)
Phil Eicke
Last position:
Principal Cybersecurity Consultant at SC&E Advisory GmbH
- Development of compliance products
- Senior Cybersecurity Consultant: NIS2: impact assessment, obligations, action planning, roadmaps
- NIS2 · DORA · CRA
- Design of ISO 27001 ISMS implementation project on a fixed-price basis
- Governance consultancy in M&A situations
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using NIS2
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
18 years (Germany: 20 years)
Position duration
1.8 years (Germany: 2.2 years)
Positions per freelancer
19 (Germany: 15)
Top business areas
Information Technology, Project Management, Quality Assurance
Top industries
Information Technology, Professional Services, Banking and Finance
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Audit, Quality Assurance
Bachelor's degree or higher
60% (Germany: 84%)
Master's degree or higher
40% (Germany: 47%)
Certifications per freelancer
8 (Germany: 7)
Most common languages
German, English, Turkish
Speak two or more languages
100% (Germany: 95%)
Based on our profile pool as of 30 Aug 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this technology in Cologne are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates of experts in Cologne using NIS2
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 30 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
About the technology
What NIS2 Covers
NIS2, the Network and Information Security Directive 2, sets cybersecurity and risk-management duties for essential and important entities. It is used to shape governance, reporting, and security controls across business and IT teams. Strong experts translate the directive into clear actions, not vague policy text.
Where It Matters
- Incident reporting and escalation paths
- Risk assessments and control reviews
- Supplier and third-party security checks
- Policy updates and board reporting
In Cologne, NIS2 work often touches groups with strict operational and supply-chain demands, so clear documentation and fast coordination matter. Companies usually need support that works with both local stakeholders and remote security teams.
Skills That Count
Good professionals know the directive, but they also know how to map it to ISO 27001, SOC processes, business continuity, and technical safeguards. They can work with legal, security, and IT teams without creating extra friction. That mix is what keeps NIS2 programs usable.
When Freelance Help Fits
Freelance expertise is useful when a company needs a gap assessment, an implementation plan, or help preparing for supervisory questions. It also helps when internal teams are busy and need someone to drive workshops, evidence collection, and remediation tracking. NIS 2 projects move faster when the expert can work independently.
Strong Deliverables
A strong NIS2 specialist produces practical outcomes, not slide decks alone. Typical deliverables include a gap analysis, a control roadmap, incident and escalation procedures, supplier review templates, and concise management reports. For Cologne-based teams, clear English and German communication can be a real advantage.
How to Judge Quality
Look for experts who can explain how NIS2 affects your organization, your suppliers, and your reporting duties in plain language. They should be able to separate mandatory steps from nice-to-have improvements and show how the work fits your current security setup. The best people leave you with decisions, owners, and next actions.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions that come up most around NIS2.
A strong NIS2 expert turns the directive into concrete work: gap assessments, control mapping, incident reporting flows, and evidence for audits or management reviews. They also help align security, legal, and operational teams so the program does not stall. In Cologne, this is often useful when local teams need to coordinate with wider German or EU stakeholders.
No. NIS2 is the updated EU framework, and it broadens scope, tightens governance, and raises expectations around risk management and reporting. Many companies still say NIS 2 or Network and Information Security Directive 2, but they mean the newer rules.
A strong NIS2 specialist usually brings compliance, risk, supplier management, and documentation skills as well. They should understand how to work with policies, incident processes, and board-level reporting without losing the technical detail. Familiarity with ISO 27001 and business continuity is often valuable.
That depends on your current security maturity, but NIS2 work usually starts with scoping and a gap assessment. A company with existing controls may need targeted remediation and reporting support, while another may need a broader program setup. The best freelancers can quickly show what is mandatory and what can wait.
Most NIS2 tasks can be handled remotely, especially assessments, policy work, and reporting preparation. On-site time in Cologne can help for stakeholder workshops, leadership sessions, or sensitive internal reviews. Many teams use a hybrid setup so the expert can move quickly and still meet key people in person.
NIS2 and ISO 27001 overlap, but they are not the same. ISO 27001 is a management system standard, while NIS2 is a legal and regulatory directive with specific duties and reporting expectations. Many companies use one expert who understands both so controls and evidence support each other.
Ask which parts of NIS2 they have actually implemented: gap analysis, incident reporting, third-party risk, governance, or remediation tracking. Also ask how they work with legal and IT, and what deliverables you will receive. A good answer is clear, practical, and tied to your current setup.
A good NIS2 specialist can explain the directive in plain words and connect it to real controls, owners, and deadlines. They should ask about your suppliers, reporting lines, and current security measures before proposing changes. If the discussion stays concrete, that is usually a good sign.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used NIS2 in their recent projects is 133 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 1,064 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used NIS2 in their recent projects, 60% hold at least a Bachelor's degree and 40% hold at least a Master's degree.
On average, freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used NIS2 in their recent projects have 18 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 1.8 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used NIS2 in their recent projects are German (100%), English (100%), and Turkish (25%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used NIS2 in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Professional Services (75%), and Banking and Finance (50%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Cologne, Germany who have used NIS2 in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Project Management (100%), and Quality Assurance (75%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used NIS2
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin 
Munich 
Frankfurt 
Essen Request a free demo
Get in touch with the FRATCH team and we will get back to you within 4 hours.
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
