DORA Guides
Complete guides to DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) compliance for financial institutions, including ICT risk management, incident reporting, and third-party risk.
What is DORA? The Digital Operational Resilience Act Explained
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is an EU regulation that establishes a unified framework for managing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) risks across the financial sector. If you operate a fintech, provide services to banks, or work in insurance, investment, or crypto, DORA likely applies to you.
Who Needs DORA Compliance? Scope and Applicability
DORA applies to 20 categories of financial entities operating within the European Union, plus the ICT third-party service providers that support them. Understanding whether your organization falls within scope is the first step toward compliance.
The Five Pillars of DORA: Core Requirements Explained
DORA is structured around five interconnected pillars that together create a comprehensive framework for digital operational resilience. Each pillar addresses a specific aspect of ICT risk management, from internal governance to external information sharing.
DORA ICT Risk Management Requirements
ICT risk management forms the foundation of DORA compliance. Chapter II of the regulation requires financial entities to establish, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive framework for identifying, protecting against, detecting, responding to, and recovering from ICT-related disruptions.
DORA Incident Reporting: Timelines and Requirements
DORA establishes a harmonized framework for detecting, classifying, and reporting major ICT-related incidents across the EU financial sector. Unlike previous fragmented approaches, DORA creates consistent reporting obligations with strict timelines that apply to all in-scope financial entities.
DORA Resilience Testing: Requirements and TLPT Explained
DORA mandates regular testing of ICT systems to validate that financial entities can withstand disruptions. Testing requirements range from basic vulnerability assessments for all entities to advanced threat-led penetration testing (TLPT) for systemically important institutions.
DORA Third-Party Risk Management: ICT Provider Requirements
DORA recognizes that financial sector resilience depends on technology supply chains. Chapter V establishes comprehensive requirements for managing ICT third-party providers, from pre-contract due diligence through ongoing monitoring to exit planning.
DORA Information Sharing: Cyber Threat Intelligence Exchange
DORA's fifth pillar encourages financial entities to share cyber threat information and intelligence. Unlike the other four pillars, information sharing is voluntary, but the regulation establishes a framework to facilitate trusted exchange among financial sector participants.
DORA Compliance Checklist: Step-by-Step Implementation Guide
This checklist provides a structured approach to implementing DORA requirements. Use it to assess your current state, identify gaps, and plan your compliance journey.
DORA Penalties: Fines and Enforcement Explained
DORA establishes a harmonized enforcement framework with significant penalties for non-compliance. Unlike previous fragmented national approaches, DORA creates consistent penalty structures across all EU member states.
DORA vs NIS 2: Understanding the Differences
Financial entities operating in the EU may find themselves potentially subject to both DORA and NIS 2. Understanding how these regulations interact is essential for efficient compliance planning.
DORA vs ISO 27001: How They Compare and Work Together
Financial entities often ask whether their existing ISO 27001 certification helps with DORA compliance. The short answer is yes, ISO 27001 provides a strong foundation, but it does not guarantee DORA compliance on its own.
DORA for Fintechs and Startups: What You Need to Know
DORA applies to fintechs and startups just as it applies to established financial institutions. If your company falls within one of the 20 categories of financial entities, DORA is mandatory regardless of your size or stage.
DORA Governance Requirements: Management Accountability
DORA places direct accountability for digital operational resilience on the management body of financial entities. This represents a significant shift from treating ICT risk as a purely technical matter delegated to IT departments.
DORA Register of Information: Requirements and Preparation
The RoI is one of DORA's most tangible requirements with specific submission deadlines, making preparation a priority for compliance efforts.
DORA Contractual Requirements: ICT Third-Party Agreements
DORA Article 30 specifies mandatory provisions that must be included in contracts with ICT third-party service providers. These requirements ensure that contractual arrangements support digital operational resilience rather than undermining it.
DORA Timeline: Key Dates and Milestones
Understanding the DORA timeline is essential for compliance planning. The Digital Operational Resilience Act became fully applicable on January 17, 2025, but important milestones continue through 2026 and beyond.
DORA Compliance Cost: What to Budget
Understanding the investment required for DORA compliance helps with planning and stakeholder communication. Costs vary significantly based on entity size, current maturity, and scope complexity.
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