DORA is an EU-based regulation that is going to be effective from January 17, 2025. It is a digital security framework that works alongside the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to provide strong security protection to financial entities and ICT service providers from cybercrimes.
Generally, every financial entity and ICT service provider inside or outside the EU that does business with the EU entities has to comply with DORA. This is because the DORA framework is designed to help the entities not only to stand and recover from digital disruptions, it is to keep the organization safe from digital threats so that they can grow and stay stable.
Discover more about DORA in our comprehensive guide on DORA and its 5 Pillars.
If you are running a financial institution and wondering how to apply DORA in your existing infrastructure and want to learn about the DORA compliance checklist. You are in the right place, today we are going to explore the DORA compliance checklist and how to implement the new regulation successfully.
The DORA compliance checklist
The DORA compliance checklist is a thorough and proactive approach designed to make compliance easier to adopt for financial organizations and ICT third-party service providers. It helps the organization systematically address potential vulnerabilities and enhance cyber resilience.
Below we have the standard checklist for the DORA compliance, so let’s get started.
1. Define the scope of compliance
As per Article 2, there are a number of financial entities and non-financial entities like ICT- third-party service providers that fall under the DORA scope. To determine whether your organization is subject to DORA, it is important to identify the systems, processes, and any services offered that fall under the DORA regulatory requirements.
2. Conduct a DORA gap analysis
Conducting a DORA gap analysis is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of your current ICT risk management and operational measures in relation to the requirements outlined in Article 6 of DORA. This comprehensive assessment identifies any discrepancies between your existing frameworks and the regulatory standards, enabling you to pinpoint areas that require enhancement.
3. Develop a remediation plan
Once gaps are identified, the next step is to create a roadmap for addressing them. This roadmap should outline necessary remediation actions, timelines, and responsible parties.
4. Identify key third-party ICT providers
DORA compliance places a significant emphasis on third-party risk management as outlined in Article 28. Identifying the critical ICT providers and ensuring they comply is essential for ensuring the resilience of your supply chain.
5. Implement a threat led penetration testing (TLPT) strategy
Threat-led penetration testing, or TLPT, is vital for testing the resilience of your ICT systems against emerging threats. This testing ensures your organization’s ability to respond to real-world cyberattacks.
6. Develop an incident response plan
An effective incident response plan is crucial for promptly managing and mitigating ICT disruptions. DORA Article 17 requires institutions to have a robust strategy for addressing incidents and restoring normal operations.
7. Continuous ICT system monitoring
Continuous monitoring of ICT systems is a key requirement under Article 11 of DORA. Financial entities must have proactive measures in place to detect and respond to potential risks and vulnerabilities in real-time.
8. Understand the responsibilities for ICT risk management
According to Article 5, the board of directors is accountable for ensuring the integration of ICT risk management into the organization’s governance. This means that board members must be involved in overseeing and approving all ICT risk management strategies.
9. Review and update compliance efforts regularly
DORA compliance is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing updates to ICT risk management and resilience strategies as new threats emerge. Regular reviews and audits ensure your systems and processes stay aligned with regulatory changes.
Best practices for implementing the DORA compliance
1. Engage leadership and cross-departmental teams
Ensure that leadership, including the board of directors, is actively involved in the DORA compliance process. Collaboration between departments, such as IT, compliance, risk, and legal, is crucial for a unified approach to managing ICT risks.
2. Integrate compliance into daily operations
Embed the DORA requirements into your organization’s operational processes. This could be from risk assessments to incident response, by incorporating these practices into day-to-day workflows you strengthen your organization’s resilience.
3. Invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions
Given the evolving threat landscape, make sure to invest in advanced cybersecurity tools for real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and automated response which can make DORA compliance more effective and sustainable.
4. Conduct regular training and awareness programs
Employees should be well-versed in identifying and responding to cyber threats and this could be achieved by giving regular trainings so that staff remain aware of new threats and the role they play in maintaining cybersecurity standards.
5. Strengthen third-party risk management
As third-party ICT providers play a crucial role in DORA compliance, establish a robust due diligence and assessment program. Plus, make sure to continuously monitor these providers to ensure they meet the required standards and maintain transparency in their security measures.
6. Prioritize data integrity and confidentiality
Strengthen the data protection and privacy protocols, especially for sensitive financial information, also ensure that data handling practices align with GDPR and DORA requirements to prevent breaches and unauthorized access.
7. Develop a comprehensive communication plan
Establish a clear communication strategy to inform stakeholders, clients, and regulators immediately in the event of an ICT incident. Having a transparent approach will reinforce trust and will help you manage reputational risk.
8. Prepare for compliance audits
Document all compliance efforts meticulously, from gap analyses and risk assessments to remediation actions. This documentation will facilitate smoother audits and demonstrate proactive compliance with DORA requirements.
9. Adapt to emerging threats with a dynamic strategy
Cyber threats are continually evolving, so a rigid compliance approach may fall short. Therefore, adopt a flexible, adaptive approach to update your resilience strategy regularly, leveraging insights from past incidents and emerging threat intelligence.
10. Engage qualified external auditors for regular assessments
DORA highlights the need for entities to periodically review and adjust their ICT risk management frameworks, emphasizing ongoing assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities. While DORA does not explicitly mandate external audits, engaging qualified external auditors can be highly beneficial.
Given the complexities of ICT resilience testing and risk management, external auditors bring an objective perspective and specialized expertise that can help ensure thorough evaluations and enhance compliance efforts.
Conclusion
By getting your organization DORA compliant you are ensuring your organization is well-prepared to withstand ICT risks, enhance cyber resilience, and foster sustainable growth. By following the DORA compliance checklist and implementing this robust framework, you’re taking critical steps to protect your operations and maintain stability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
VISTA InfoSec is a trusted partner in navigating DORA compliance!
Our team of experienced and qualified consultants and auditors offers comprehensive DORA compliance consulting and auditing services to guide financial entities and ICT providers through every step of the process.
With our support, you’ll achieve compliance efficiently, bolster your cyber resilience, and confidently face the challenges of today’s digital environment. Don’t wait and book a free, one-time consultation by filling out the ‘Enquire Now’ form now and start your journey to secure your DORA compliance today!
