Is ISO 27001 Sufficient for DORA Compliance?

DORA is a regulation, meaning it applies uniformly across all EU member states without the need for national transposition. It focuses on making sure that financial entities can withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of ICT-related disruptions and threats. NIS2, on the other side, is a directive, which means each EU country must adapt it into their national laws, allowing for some flexibility in interpretation. While DORA targets financial sectors specifically, NIS2 casts a wider net, covering essential and important entities across various industries.

With increase in cybersecurity regulations, these two major players have emerged in the European Union: NIS2 (Network and Information Security 2) and DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act). As financial institutions and their service providers scramble to ensure compliance, a common question arises: Is ISO 27001 certification enough to meet DORA requirements? Let’s explore this with a focus on practical implications and real-world examples.

Understanding DORA and Its Relationship with NIS2

DORA is a regulation specifically targeting the financial sector, while NIS2 is a directive with a broader scope. While DORA takes precedence over NIS2 for financial entities, it’s important to understand that NIS2 still applies in areas not covered by DORA.