Skip to Content

DORA VS NIS2

January 24, 2025 by
DORA VS NIS2
Vincent Swolfs

What are the Differences Between DORA and NIS2, and How Can You Prepare?

The digital transformation brings both opportunities and challenges, and regulations play a crucial role in ensuring security and resilience. Two key European regulations, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2), are designed to help businesses tackle digital threats. But what are the differences between these two? And how can your organization prepare? In this blog post, we provide the answers.

What is DORA?

DORA, or the Digital Operational Resilience Act, specifically targets the financial sector. Its goal is to enhance the operational resilience of banks, insurers, and other financial institutions against cyberattacks and IT disruptions. DORA introduces standardized measures for IT risk management, incident reporting, and testing operational resilience.

What is NIS2?

NIS2 is the successor to the original NIS Directive and has a broader scope. This directive aims to improve network and information security across essential sectors such as energy, healthcare, transport, and public services. The objective of NIS2 is to ensure a higher level of cybersecurity throughout Europe through stricter requirements for risk management and incident reporting.

Key Differences Between DORA and NIS2

  1. Scope:
    • DORA: Specifically focused on the financial sector.
    • NIS2: Broader scope covering multiple essential sectors.
  2. Focus:
    • DORA: Operational resilience and risk management in financial institutions.
    • NIS2: General network and information security across essential sectors.
  3. Incident Reporting:
    • DORA: Requires a standardized process for reporting incidents within the financial sector.
    • NIS2: Introduces reporting obligations for a wider range of organizations and sectors.
  4. Supervisory Authorities:
    • DORA: Financial supervisors, such as the European Central Bank (ECB).
    • NIS2: National authorities and cybersecurity agencies within EU member states.
  5. Third Parties:
    • DORA: Guidelines for monitoring external service providers, such as cloud providers.
    • NIS2: Similar requirements but less specifically focused on the financial sector.

How to Prepare?

For DORA

  1. Conduct a Risk Analysis: Identify key IT risks within your financial systems and processes.
  2. Test Your Operational Resilience: Schedule regular penetration tests and other evaluations to ensure the effectiveness of your security measures.
  3. Manage External Vendors: Review contracts and performance of third parties to meet DORA requirements.

For NIS2

  1. Strengthen Network Security: Implement measures such as firewalls, endpoint security, and monitoring tools.
  2. Develop an Incident Response Plan: Ensure your organization can quickly respond to and recover from cyber incidents.
  3. Monitor Compliance: Collaborate with legal and IT teams to meet national NIS2 requirements.

The Role of Apollo IT

At Apollo IT, we understand the complexity of both DORA and NIS2. Our experts assist your organization in implementing compliance solutions, from risk assessments to managing external vendors and testing operational resilience.

Want to learn more about how your organization can comply with DORA and NIS2? Contact us for a free consultation.

Conclusion

While DORA and NIS2 have different audiences and focus points, they share the same goal: enhancing digital resilience across Europe. By taking timely action and implementing the right strategy, you can ensure that your organization complies with these important regulations and is better protected against digital threats.

With Apollo IT by your side, you’re prepared for a future where digital security and compliance take center stage.


DORA VS NIS2
Vincent Swolfs January 24, 2025
Share this post