Ensuring digital resilience: How to prepare for DORA regulations

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which took effect on January 16, 2023, is a crucial piece of legislation designed to bolster the digital resilience of the financial sector.

Corlytics, which offers a risk-based approach to regulatory compliance, recently offered a guide to DORA.

With a full enforcement date slated for January 17, 2025, DORA provides a 24-month preparation period. It broadly targets various financial services entities, including banks, pension funds, insurance companies, payment institutions, and investment firms. The Act also extends its reach to third-party ICT service providers, such as cloud services and data centres, ensuring that the financial ecosystem is fortified against digital disruptions and cybersecurity threats.

DORA Compliance Checklist

• Understanding and Awareness

Financial entities are urged to familiarize themselves with DORA’s text and stay abreast of updates from regulatory bodies, distributing pertinent information to stakeholders.

• Assessment and Gap Analysis

An in-depth review of existing digital resilience capabilities should be conducted alongside a gap analysis to pinpoint any shortfalls. It’s also vital to evaluate ICT-related risks, including those posed by third-party providers.

• ICT Risk Management Framework

Organizations should develop a detailed ICT risk management framework that encompasses risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

• Incident Reporting Procedures

Procedures for identifying and reporting ICT-related incidents must be established, adhering to the specific timelines and requirements set by DORA, including a comprehensive system for incident documentation and management.

• Operational Resilience Testing

Regular testing schedules for vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and continuity exercises should be implemented, ensuring all critical ICT systems are covered.

• Third-Party Risk Management

Reviewing and reinforcing agreements with third-party providers is essential to ensure compliance with DORA, coupled with a robust system for monitoring and assessing third-party risks.

• Information Sharing

Participation in industry information-sharing initiatives is encouraged, along with establishing internal processes for the dissemination of information regarding cyber threats.

• Policy and Procedure Development

Update existing or develop new policies to align with DORA’s requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage of digital resilience aspects and widespread policy awareness among staff.

• DORA Training and Education

Training programs should be established to educate employees about DORA requirements, including regular updates and integrating DORA compliance into new employee onboarding.

• Governance and Oversight

A governance framework should be established to monitor DORA compliance, with clearly assigned responsibilities and accountability at all levels.

• Monitoring and Review

Regular audits of the digital operational resilience framework are crucial, with continuous improvement based on audit findings and evolving regulatory demands.

• Engagement with Regulators

Maintaining open communication with regulatory bodies and collaborating with industry peers is critical to gaining insights and staying compliant with DORA.

Read the full guide here.

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