Gaining the Edge: How DORA Qualifications Empower Professionals in the Digital Operational Resilience Era

In today's interconnected and digital-driven world, the security and resilience of organisations and personal information have become paramount. With the rising frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, it has become imperative for governments and organisations to take proactive measures to protect against these risks. That's where the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) comes into play.

Implemented by the European Union with an effective date of 17 January 2025, DORA is a visionary regulatory framework aimed at bolstering the digital operational resilience of businesses operating within the financial sector and including their critical third-party technology service providers. This Act aims to mitigate the impact of cyber security threats and reduce the likelihood of security negligence by introducing stringent unified standards.

Enhancing security measures and reducing negligence aside, at its core, the organisational focus should be ongoing compliance. Through effective information security practices, businesses can better protect sensitive information and increase compliance procedures to reduce the probability of operational disruptions. Complying with DORA safeguards the interests of individuals and businesses alike and boosts consumer trust and confidence in the digital landscape.

The road to compliance requires having a capable group of qualified staff, and this is achieved by upskilling or hiring candidates whose roles align with information security, risk, and compliance. IBITGQ’s first-to-market DORA qualifications are at the forefront of this regulation. By obtaining professional IBITGQ DORA credentials, individuals can increase their knowledge, skills, and expertise in the framework best practices.

In this article, we will delve into the details of the Act, the significant value of DORA certifications for professionals, and how IBITGQ can assist the qualification process. We will explore the benefits of DORA certifications regarding career opportunities, industry recognition, and personal growth.

Keep reading as we unlock the key pillars of the DORA and the tremendous potential IBITGQ DORA qualifications may have on your career.

?A Summary of the DORA

The DORA defines a compulsory and comprehensive ICT risk management framework that complements existing laws and establishes unified technical standards that financial institutions and their third-party technology service providers must implement before 17 January 2025. Its objective is to ensure that financial entities in the EU, along with their critical ICT service providers, have the digital operational resilience capabilities and resources to mitigate information and cyber security threats to avoid operational disruptions and security faults because of human and procedural errors.

The principal part of the Act is regulation (EU) 2022/2554 on digital operational resilience for the financial sector.

This sets out requirements covering five critical areas:

• ICT risk management framework: DORA emphasises the need for financial entities to establish an internal governance and control framework for ICT, and to appoint a management body to coordinate and implement ICT risk management measures.
• ICT-related incident management, classification and reporting: DORA provides a streamlined approach to incident management and reporting for entities in the financial service industry and their service providers. This requirement ensures disruptions are managed quickly and effectively while minimising the impact on clients and the wider business.
• Digital operational resilience testing: To ensure digital operational resilience and provide evidence of that fact, financial entities are required to implement rigorous testing plans. In some cases, this may involve advanced penetration testing, which may need to be conducted every three years.
• Third-party ICT risk management: DORA defines principle-based rules for monitoring risks related to outsourced tasks. Outsourcing agreements must comply with minimum contracting requirements, which are outlined in the full text of the Regulation.
• Information sharing: DORA permits financial entities to share information, which has many benefits such as creating awareness of threats and improving defensive and detection techniques.

The Regulation also establishes:

• Rules for a supervisory framework for critical ICT third-party service providers when providing services to financial entities; and
• Rules on cooperation among supervisory authorities, and supervision and enforcement.

Why DORA Certifications are Essential for Success?

IBITGQ’s DORA qualifications offer professionals and candidates aiming to enter both data and financial environments an opportunity to assert their knowledge and skills with a focus on risk management, incident response, threat assessments, and overall business resilience.

The main benefits of a DORA qualification are:

Increased knowledge and skills:?DORA qualifications cover a range of knowledge requirements, from foundational to expert. They enhance your knowledge of a complex regulation while teaching you how to apply and integrate DORA-specific practices.

Continued professional development:?Achieving one or more DORA qualifications earns CPD points, thus contributing to your professional development and making you more marketable.

Career advancement:?Achieving a DORA qualification, depending on the certification level, can distinguish you as knowledgeable or an expert on DORA requirements and practices. DORA qualifications also provide opportunities for career advancement in the financial and related sectors.

Critical thinking:?DORA qualifications prove that you can conduct an objective analysis to make an informed decision, allowing you to confidently address risk assessments, incident response and potential threats at the highest standard.

Network development:?DORA qualifications expose you to likeminded peers and experts within the fields of IT governance, data protection and cyber security. This is valuable for shared learning and initiatives, collaboration, and maintaining knowledge of industry and regulatory trends.

Integrity and security:?A DORA qualification demonstrates a commitment to the organisation’s security and a willingness to contribute to a safer cyber environment. You will be perceived as having a certain level of integrity, which is also beneficial to the organisation when building an information security team.

Related frameworks:?Achieving a Certified DORA qualification can provide a platform to explore additional areas of learning such as information security, cyber security, data security, and business continuity.

Qualifications are mapped to the theoretical teachings and practice of the Act, enabling staff to integrate the requirements of a complex regulation into the organisation’s operations. Thereby mitigating risk, ensuring compliance, avoiding disruptions, and maintaining business continuity.

Achieving a DORA qualification from IBITGQ

IBITGQ DORA qualifications range from basic, foundational understanding to the expertise required of directors.

Qualifications comprise of:

• Certified DORA Foundation (C DORA F)
• Certified DORA Practitioner (C DORA P)
• Certified DORA Lead Auditor (C DORA LA)
• Certified DORA Compliance Officer (C DORA CO)
• Certified DORA Risk Director (C DORA RD)

There are two routes to achieving one or more DORA qualifications, both include the candidate taking and passing a certified DORA examination. A candidate can take training provided by an accredited training organisation (ATO) which will lead to the examination. Alternatively, they can purchase an examination voucher, which is valid for a specific period, and take an exam administered by the Global Association for Software Quality (GASQ).

With the looming deadline of 17 January 2025 approaching, individuals who align themselves with the requirements of the mandatory framework will benefit substantially. Embrace this new legislation and become a pioneer within the data environment in a time focused on fortifying digital resilience.