DORA
EU regulation for financial sector digital operational resilience
PMBOK
Global standard for project management principles and practices
Quick Verdict
DORA mandates ICT resilience for EU finance against cyber threats via testing and reporting, while PMBOK provides voluntary project management framework for global delivery success. Financial firms adopt DORA for compliance; organizations use PMBOK for predictable outcomes.
DORA
Regulation (EU) 2022/2554, Digital Operational Resilience Act
Key Features
- Mandates comprehensive ICT risk management frameworks
- Enforces 4-hour incident reporting timelines
- Requires triennial threat-led penetration testing
- Oversees critical third-party ICT providers
- Harmonizes resilience across EU financial entities
PMBOK
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge
Key Features
- Five Process Groups for lifecycle governance
- Ten Knowledge Areas for discipline integration
- ITTO framework ensuring process traceability
- Tailoring guidance for predictive/adaptive/hybrid
- Principles and performance domains for value delivery
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 enhancing ICT resilience for financial entities against disruptions like cyberattacks and third-party failures. Applicable January 17, 2025, it uses a risk-based, proportional approach across 27 member states for 20 entity types.
Key Components
- **ICT Risk ManagementFrameworks for identification, mitigation, annual reviews.
- **Incident Reporting4-hour initial, 72-hour updates for major incidents.
- **Resilience TestingAnnual basics, triennial TLPT for critical functions.
- **Third-Party OversightDue diligence, monitoring of CTPPs. Built on harmonized standards; ESAs enforce compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory to avoid 2% turnover fines; mitigates systemic risks (e.g., CrowdStrike). Improves resilience amid 74% ransomware rates, builds trust, spurs €10-15B investments.
Implementation Overview
Gap analysis, framework setup, testing programs, vendor contracts. Scales by size; large firms adapt EBA rules, SMEs prioritize basics. Ongoing post-2025 audits.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
PMBOK® Guide, officially A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is a global standard and framework published by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It provides generally accepted practices for project management across industries, evolving from process-based (6th edition) to principle- and outcome-based (7th/8th editions) approaches focused on value delivery and tailoring.
Key Components
- **5 Process GroupsInitiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, Closing.
- 10 Knowledge Areas (legacy): Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders.
- 12 Principles and 8 Performance Domains (modern): Emphasizing stewardship, value, tailoring.
- No fixed controls; voluntary certification like PMP®.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances predictability, reduces risks via standardized governance.
- Supports compliance in regulated sectors through traceability.
- Drives competitive edge with high-performing processes (3x better per PMI research).
- Builds stakeholder trust and portability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, tailoring, pilots, rollout, audits.
- Involves training, PMO setup, tools; suits all sizes/industries.
- No mandatory audits; self-tailored maturity via OPM3.
Key Differences
| Aspect | DORA | PMBOK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Digital operational resilience in finance | Project management principles and processes |
| Industry | EU financial sector only | All industries worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation | Voluntary global standard |
| Testing | Annual basic, triennial TLPT | Tailored audits and reviews |
| Penalties | Up to 2% global turnover fines | No legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about DORA and PMBOK
DORA FAQ
PMBOK FAQ
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