How MDR can help streamline Compliance with NIS2 and DORA

25 September 2024

Cybersecurity Industries Detect & Respond Detect Respond Compliance Data Security Managed Detection and Response

_{Julien Menissez}

_{Security Product Manager, Orange Cyberdefense}

_{Jan de Bondt}

_{Director Audit & Business Consultancy, Orange Cyberdefense}

With the growing number of cyber threats and the increased complexity of regulations, staying compliant with new frameworks like NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive) and DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) is not only a significant challenge both for today’s Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Legal business units, but also applies for the board of directors (director’s liability). These regulations emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures, continuous monitoring, reliable (and tested) business continuity plans and timely incident responses—all while demanding detailed reporting and audits.

But ensuring compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services can help your organization meet the technical and operational requirements without putting additional strain on your operational security teams.

Here are some key aspects where an MDR service can help organisations comply with both NIS2 and DORA requirements.

Incident Reporting: It is essential for organizations to promptly notify the appropriate authorities about security incidents. Timely reporting ensures a coordinated response and helps to minimize potential threats.

Continuous Monitoring: Deploy real-time monitoring systems that enable the detection and response to threats as they emerge. This proactive approach ensures rapid identification of security incidents.

Here’s how MDR fits perfectly into the NIS2 and DORA compliance puzzle and why it’s becoming a go-to solution for CISOs looking to protect their organizations while staying compliant.

What is MDR?

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that combines advanced technology and expert human intervention to continuously monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats in real time. MDR services offer proactive threat detection, incident response, and detailed reporting, all managed by a team of dedicated security professionals. This means you get the benefits of an in-house security operations center (SOC) without the operational costs or complexity.

How MDR Aligns with NIS2 and DORA Compliance

Both NIS2 and DORA set high standards for cybersecurity, emphasizing risk management, rapid response, and accountability. Here’s how MDR addresses these compliance challenges:

1. Continuous Monitoring for Real-Time Threat Detection

One of the core requirements of NIS2 is continuous monitoring and early threat detection across network and information systems. Similarly, DORA places a strong emphasis on operational resilience, meaning organizations must be able to anticipate, prevent, and respond to disruptions, including cyberattacks.

MDR Solution:
MDR services provide 24/7 real-time monitoring, ensuring that threats are detected as soon as they arise. With cyber threat intelligence, advanced threat-hunting techniques, AI-driven analytics, and behavioral monitoring, MDR continuously scans your network, identifies potential vulnerabilities, and flags abnormal behavior before it escalates into a full-blown breach. This level of vigilance is essential for meeting the continuous monitoring and early detection mandates in both NIS2 and DORA.

2. Fast and Effective Incident Response

NIS2 and DORA both stress the importance of rapid and effective incident response. Organizations must be able to quickly contain and mitigate the impact of an attack while ensuring business continuity. Failure to do so can lead to significant fines, regulatory penalties, and loss of reputation.

MDR Solution:
MDR provides a dedicated team of security experts who are ready to respond to incidents as soon as they are detected. These experts can act immediately, containing and mitigating the threat, which reduces potential damage and ensures compliance with the strict response times outlined in NIS2 and DORA. Your in-house teams no longer need to scramble or rely on fragmented resources—MDR has your back 24/7.

3. Simplified Compliance Reporting and Audits

One of the biggest pain points for CISOs when it comes to regulatory compliance is the need for detailed reporting and maintaining audit trails. Both NIS2 and DORA require that organizations document incidents, responses, and mitigation efforts while maintaining comprehensive logs that auditors can review.

MDR Solution:
MDR platforms typically come equipped with automated reporting tools that generate detailed, compliance-ready reports. These reports include incident timelines, responses, threat intelligence, and actions taken to mitigate risks. By automating this process, MDR not only saves time but also ensures that your organization has a clear and defensible audit trail, which is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements.

4. Cost-Effective Compliance with Outsourced Expertise

Maintaining compliance in-house is not only time-consuming but also expensive. Organizations need to invest in advanced technology, hire skilled cybersecurity professionals, and continuously train staff to keep up with regulatory changes. For many businesses, especially those without large security teams, this isn’t feasible.

MDR Solution:
MDR offers a cost-effective alternative by providing access to cutting-edge security technology and experienced cybersecurity professionals without the overhead costs of building a team internally. This outsourced approach ensures that your organization is always up to date with the latest compliance requirements, without having to manage them directly. The flexibility and scalability of MDR allow you to stay focused on strategic priorities while ensuring you meet your regulatory obligations.

5. Vulnerability Management and Enhanced Security Posture

Both NIS2 and DORA emphasize the importance of risk management. MDR goes beyond just compliance by continuously evaluating and improving your security posture. This includes vulnerability assessments, real-time threat intelligence updates, and ongoing optimization of security processes.

MDR Solution:
Through continuous risk assessments, MDR services help you identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, allowing you to proactively address risks before they become regulatory issues. This not only helps with compliance but also strengthens your overall security posture, making your organization more resilient to evolving threats.

The Takeaway: MDR is Your Compliance Ally

NIS2 and DORA compliance are no longer just checkboxes—they’re essential to protecting your business in a digital-first world. MDR services simplify the process by providing continuous monitoring, rapid incident response, automated reporting, and ongoing risk management, all while ensuring you stay compliant with regulatory requirements.

For CISOs, MDR is not just a security solution—it’s a compliance partner that keeps your organization safe, secure, and fully prepared for the next cyber threat.