Operational Resilience
The ability of an organization to deliver critical operations through disruption. In the context of DORA, it specifically refers to digital operational resilience — the capacity of financial entities to build, assure, and review their technological operational integrity.
Operational resilience represents a paradigm shift in how organizations approach risk management. Rather than focusing solely on preventing disruptions, it acknowledges that disruptions will occur and emphasizes the ability to continue delivering critical services through and beyond disruptive events.
DORA codifies this concept specifically for the financial sector under the term 'digital operational resilience.' It requires organizations to take a holistic view encompassing people, processes, and technology. This includes business continuity planning, disaster recovery, crisis management, and regular testing of these capabilities.
The concept is closely related to but distinct from business continuity management. While business continuity focuses on maintaining operations, operational resilience extends to adaptability, learning from incidents, and evolving capabilities over time. Regulators increasingly view operational resilience as essential to financial stability.
Related Terms
DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)
An EU regulation that establishes uniform requirements for the security of network and information systems in the financial sector. DORA became mandatory on January 17, 2025, and applies to banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and their critical ICT service providers.
ICT Risk Management
The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with information and communication technology systems. Under DORA, financial entities must maintain a comprehensive ICT risk management framework covering identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery.
Business Continuity
The capability of an organization to continue delivering products or services at acceptable predefined levels following a disruptive incident. Business continuity planning is a core component of both DORA and ISO 27001 requirements.
Incident Reporting
The formal process of detecting, classifying, and reporting ICT-related incidents to competent authorities. DORA Articles 17-23 establish specific requirements for incident classification, initial notification, intermediate reports, and final reports to supervisory authorities.
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