DORA loves ISO 27001
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Your organization is ISO 27001 certified. You have robust processes to ensure information security, a skilled team conducting risk analyses, and a smooth, well-tested incident response plan. Things are going well. And then, DORA appears—the Digital Operational Resilience Act—a new regulatory player with a specific mission: to make the financial system digitally resilient. At first glance, it might seem like just another set of rules, but here’s the twist: DORA and ISO 27001 have more in common than you think. They share many characteristics but also have distinct requirements. Let’s explore their similarities and differences.
ISO 27001 has been around for decades and has transformed the way organizations approach information security. Its roots trace back to the 1990s when the British standard BS 7799 first introduced the concept of a systematic approach to security management. Over time, it evolved into a global gold standard for information security. DORA, on the other hand, is the newcomer, emerging from the EU’s need to strengthen the digital backbone of financial services. With increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and growing systemic risks, specific legislation was needed to address the unique challenges of the critical financial sector.
The good news? ISO 27001 forms the foundation for many of DORA’s requirements. Both frameworks are rooted in risk management and recognize that understanding and mitigating risks are central to resilience. If your organization has already implemented ISO 27001, you likely have processes in place to identify threats, assess vulnerabilities, and execute controls. That’s a significant checkmark for DORA.
Incident response is another shared priority. ISO 27001 ensures your incident handling procedures are documented, regularly practiced, and improved based on past incidents. DORA takes this a step further, requiring stress testing of ICT systems to evaluate their resilience under targeted simulated attacks or operational disruptions. It’s akin to ISO 27001’s methodical approach, but with added pressure tests for those critical moments when everything seems to go wrong.
And what about third-party risks? Both ISO 27001 and DORA understand that no organization operates in isolation. They emphasize managing supplier risks to ensure critical partners don’t become weak links. While ISO 27001 provides broad guidelines on supplier relationships, DORA focuses specifically on “critical third parties,” such as cloud providers. Regulators even seek direct oversight, adding an extra layer of accountability.
However, DORA is not merely ISO 27001 in a new guise. It has unique requirements tailored to financial institutions. A notable difference is mandatory reporting to regulators. While ISO 27001 focuses on internal processes and continuous improvement, DORA demands detailed incident reports to external authorities. It’s like preparing a comprehensive post-match analysis after every incident, complete with commentary.
DORA also places additional emphasis on governance, actively involving senior leadership in the process. Executives and board members must be directly engaged in the operational resilience strategy. This goes beyond merely approving policies—it’s about genuinely owning the organization’s digital resilience strategy.
ISO 27001 provides a strong foundation that covers much of DORA’s requirements. If your organization is ISO certified, you likely have the key processes and tools already in place. To fully comply with DORA, it’s a matter of adding specific elements, such as conducting stress tests on ICT systems, establishing structured reporting processes, and sharpening oversight of critical suppliers. With these adjustments, you’ll be well-prepared to meet DORA’s additional demands.
The rewards for these efforts are substantial. ISO 27001 offers global credibility, while DORA ensures readiness for the digital future of the financial sector. Together, they not only help your organization comply with regulations but also make it truly resilient, ready to weather both cyberstorms and operational disruptions.
Curious about the gaps in your organization? Take our online DORA Quickscan, and within 24 hours, you’ll receive a comprehensive report highlighting areas that need improvement—with no obligations. Want to learn more about this or any of our other tailored services? Contact us at info@deepbluesecurity.nl or call us at +31 70 800 2025.