With only 100 days remaining before the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) becomes enforceable, financial entities across the EU must act swiftly to ensure compliance. The clock is ticking, and organisations need to prepare now to meet the stringent requirements of this regulation by 17th January 2025. This blog delves into the five core pillars of DORA and how Integrity360 can assist your organisation in achieving compliance before the deadline. 

What is DORA? 

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is a regulatory framework introduced by the European Union to bolster the operational resilience of its financial sector. It addresses a wide range of digital risks and mandates comprehensive measures to ensure that financial entities, including their third-party service providers, can withstand and recover from cyber incidents and operational disruptions. 

The Urgency of DORA Compliance 

By January 2025, DORA will be in full effect, requiring financial organisations to comply with its directives or face potential penalties. This means entities have just 100 days left to ensure their readiness. Integrity360 is here to help your organisation align with DORA’s requirements, enhancing your digital resilience while ensuring you stay ahead of the regulatory curve. 

The 5 Pillars of DORA 

DORA’s framework is built around five key pillars, each designed to strengthen different aspects of digital resilience within financial entities. Here’s a breakdown of these pillars and how Integrity360 can support your organisation’s journey to compliance. 

ICT Risk Management

This pillar mandates that financial entities thoroughly identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. It requires robust internal governance and control frameworks to manage these risks effectively. 

How Integrity360 Can Help: Integrity360 offers comprehensive risk assessment services that meticulously identify vulnerabilities in your digital infrastructure. We don’t just stop at identification; our experts provide tailored strategies to mitigate these risks, helping you adopt a proactive stance that anticipates future threats, ensuring your organisation is resilient against cyber risks.

ICT-Related Incident Management

Organisations must establish clear processes for detecting, managing, and notifying about significant cyber incidents or operational disruptions. Quick and efficient incident management is essential for maintaining operational continuity and regulatory compliance. 

How Integrity360 Can Help: Integrity360 excels in developing incident response frameworks tailored to your organisation’s needs. Our advanced detection and reporting mechanisms enable your team to swiftly respond to incidents, minimising the impact on your operations and ensuring you meet DORA’s notification requirements.

Digital Operational Resilience Testing

This pillar focuses on regular testing to ensure organisations can withstand a variety of ICT risks. Comprehensive testing programmes are essential to identify, address, and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. 

How Integrity360 Can Help: Our resilience testing services, including penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, are designed to meet DORA’s stringent requirements. We provide actionable insights that not only help identify weaknesses but also strengthen your digital infrastructure, preparing your organisation for both current and emerging threats.

Third-Party Risk Management

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, managing third-party risks is crucial. This pillar requires entities to conduct thorough assessments and maintain robust contractual relationships with their third-party service providers. 

How Integrity360 Can Help: Integrity360 supports organisations in developing and implementing comprehensive third-party risk management strategies. From conducting due diligence to continuous monitoring of third-party engagements, we help ensure that your external partnerships prioritise security and compliance, reducing the risks posed by external vulnerabilities.

Information Sharing

DORA promotes the sharing of cyber threat intelligence among organisations to strengthen collective resilience across the sector. Information sharing enables a collaborative approach to cyber defence, helping organisations stay ahead of potential threats. 

How Integrity360 Can Help: Integrity360 plays a pivotal role in facilitating the secure and effective sharing of cyber threat intelligence. By leveraging our extensive network and expertise, we foster a community where financial entities can benefit from shared insights, enhancing their collective security posture and preparedness. 

The Countdown to DORA Compliance Starts Now 

With just 100 days left until DORA comes into force, now is the time for financial entities to act. Integrity360, with our extensive range of cyber security and compliance solutions, stands ready to guide your organisation through these final crucial steps. 

By partnering with Integrity360, financial entities can not only meet the compliance requirements of DORA but also gain a competitive edge by embedding operational resilience at the core of their operations. Don’t wait until it’s too late—let Integrity360 help you navigate the complexities of DORA and ensure your organisation is ready for the challenges ahead.