Here’s How to Align DORA Compliance Efforts with Long-Term Cybersecurity Goals
With the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) coming into effect on 17 January 2025, a DORA compliance roadmap could be just the thing your business needs.
These new EU regulations aim to protect the financial sector from cyberattacks and technology failures.
Despite the great intent behind this act, it can be tricky to figure out exactly what you need and how to implement it.
A clear plan helps you meet these regulations and keep your business running smoothly.
So, as your pentesting experts, we created this DORA guide to help you get started.
Why DORA Matters
DORA isn’t the government finding new ways to fine businesses.
It focuses on making sure your business can handle disruptions, like cyberattacks or system crashes, without major problems.
By complying, you’re protecting your business, customers, and reputation. DORA is about keeping your business running even when things go wrong.
Managing ICT Risks
This means finding, assessing, and reducing risks related to your technology. It covers things like weak passwords, outdated software, or employees clicking on suspicious links.
Basically, you identify potential weaknesses before they can be exploited.
Handling with Incidents
Do you have a reporting and recovery plan should something happen? This plan should include:
- Knowing whom to contact,
- How to fix the problem, and
- How to get your systems back online quickly.
Testing Your Systems
DORA is not a one-and-done requirement. Technology changes and cybercriminals are getting smarter by the day.
This means you need to test your systems regularly to make sure your business is safe.
Other Companies
Do you work with any third parties? Are they keeping their systems safe?
Part of DORA’s requirements is ensuring your service providers are also secure. You must know how you’ll be impacted and how to address it if they experience a breach.
Your DORA Compliance Roadmap
As promised, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve DORA compliance.
Know the Rules
The first thing to do is understand what DORA requires. You can read articles or official documents on the act.
You can also ask your favourite generative AI tool, but remember to fact-check.
Or, if you want the easiest way, speak to an expert!
Contact us today for your free consultation.
We can help you understand the rules that apply to your specific business.
Find Your Risks
Consider everything that could disrupt the technology side of your business. Think of things like cyberattacks, natural disasters, human error, or system failures.
Determine how likely these things are to happen and how badly they could affect your business.
For example, a cyberattack could steal customer data, while a power outage could stop you from processing payments.
Build Strong Defences
Once you know what could go wrong, be proactive. Put strong security measures in place to protect your systems and data.
This includes things like:
- Preventative Controls – Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access controls, and encryption to prevent security incidents.
- Detective Controls – Security information and event management (SIEM) systems, log monitoring, and vulnerability scanning to detect suspicious activity.
- Corrective Controls – Incident response plans, data backups, and disaster recovery procedures to restore operations after a disruption.
Test Your Resilience
Regularly test how well your systems can handle disruptions.
This might involve simulating cyberattacks or other problems to see how your team responds and how quickly you can recover.
For example, 7ASecurity can perform threat-led penetration testing to see if your systems can withstand real-world attacks.
Also, consider:
- Disaster Recovery Drills that simulate different types of breakdowns. This will practice your recovery procedures.
- Business Continuity Planning to make sure critical business functions can continue if there is an issue.
Monitor and Improve
Keep track of your IT security and how well your systems are working.
Use what you learn to improve your defences and ensure you’re always ready for potential problems.
Remember to keep detailed reports that comply with DORA’s incident reporting requirements.
The Importance of Leadership
As a business leader, the operational resilience rests with you.
This means the onus is on you to make sure your financial company is DORA-compliant. And more than compliant, your business has all the needed safety protocols in place.
So, how can you lead the way?
- Prioritise Cybersecurity. Make it clear that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Talk about it regularly and invest in it.
- Security Awareness Training. Educate employees on cybersecurity threats, best practices, and their role in protecting the business.
- Clear Security Policies. Develop and enforce clear security policies and procedures aligning with DORA requirements.
- Open Communication. Encourage open communication about security issues and promote a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential threats.
- Invest in Reliable Tools. Cybersecurity is not the place to cut costs. We’re not saying you need top-of-the-line products, but make sure you have what you need. If unsure, speak to us.
- Stay Informed. Keep up-to-date on the latest cyber threats and security best practices. Attend industry events or read cybersecurity blogs to stay in the loop.
- Work with Experts.Get expert help to understand and follow DORA rules. We can provide guidance and support to ensure you’re on the right track.
How 7ASecurity Can Help
We can help you with every step of your DORA compliance journey.
Our services include:
- DORA Compliance Roadmap Development
- Risk Assessments
- Threat-Led Penetration Testing
- Security Audits
- Incident Response Planning
- Training
Ready to Get Started?
DORA compliance is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing effort and a commitment to continuous improvement.
But the benefits are clear: a more secure, resilient, and competitive business.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
