DORA
EU regulation for digital operational resilience in financial sector
NIST 800-171
U.S. standard protecting CUI in nonfederal systems.
Quick Verdict
DORA mandates ICT resilience for EU financial firms via testing and reporting, while NIST 800-171 requires CUI safeguards for US contractors through controls and SSPs. Organizations adopt DORA for regulatory compliance, NIST for federal contracts and risk reduction.
DORA
Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 - Digital Operational Resilience Act
Key Features
- Requires comprehensive ICT risk management frameworks overseen by management
- Mandates 4-hour initial incident reporting for major disruptions
- Imposes triennial threat-led penetration testing for critical entities
- Oversees critical third-party ICT providers with direct supervision
- Harmonizes resilience standards across 27 EU member states
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171 Protecting CUI Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Protects CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
- 110 controls across 14 families (Rev. 2)
- Requires SSP and POA&M documentation
- Supports CUI enclave scoping strategy
- Mandated by DFARS for DoD contractors
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
DORA Details
What It Is
Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), Regulation (EU) 2022/2554, is an EU regulation strengthening financial sector resilience against ICT disruptions like cyberattacks. Applicable from January 17, 2025, to 20 entity types and CTPPs, it uses risk-based, proportional approaches for harmonized management.
Key Components
Core pillars:
- **ICT Risk ManagementFrameworks for identification, mitigation, annual reviews.
- **Incident Reporting4/72-hour notifications, monthly analyses.
- **Resilience TestingAnnual scans, triennial TLPT.
- **Third-Party OversightDue diligence, ESA supervision of CTPPs. Enforced via RTS/ITS, penalties to 2% turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for compliance, it counters threats (74% ransomware), boosts resilience, trust, integrates NIS2/Solvency II, spurs cybersecurity innovation.
Implementation Overview
Gap analyses, policy builds, testing/vendor management; for EU financials by size; authority oversight, no certification, 2025-focused.
NIST 800-171 Details
What It Is
NIST SP 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations, is a U.S. federal framework providing 110 security requirements (Rev. 2; streamlined in Rev. 3) across 14 families (expanded to 17 in Rev. 3). Its primary purpose is safeguarding CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems via a control-based approach tailored from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline.
Key Components
- 14-17 control families (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Configuration Management, Supply Chain Risk in Rev. 3).
- SSP and POA&M as core documentation.
- Assessment via SP 800-171A (examine/interview/test).
- Compliance through self-assessment or third-party audits like CMMC Level 2.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contractors via DFARS 252.204-7012.
- Reduces cyber risks, ensures contract eligibility.
- Builds supply-chain resilience, competitive edge.
- Enhances stakeholder trust via audit-ready evidence.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis, controls, monitoring.
- Applies to contractors handling CUI; scalable by size.
- No formal certification but requires SPRS scoring, CMMC audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | DORA | NIST 800-171 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | ICT resilience in finance | CUI protection in nonfederal systems |
| Industry | EU financial entities | US federal contractors/supply chain |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation | Contractual security requirements |
| Testing | Annual basic, triennial TLPT | Examine/interview/test assessments |
| Penalties | 2% global turnover fines | Contract loss, debarment |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DORA and NIST 800-171
DORA FAQ
NIST 800-171 FAQ
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