Executive Summary
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) aims to enhance the digital operational resilience of the financial sector in the European Union. This white paper outlines how IBM Sterling B2Bi and Sterling File Gateway can support organizations in meeting DORA requirements. By providing robust solutions for secure, scalable, and efficient data exchange and integration, these IBM offerings enable financial institutions to comply with regulatory mandates and ensure operational continuity.
Introduction to DORA
DORA establishes a comprehensive framework for digital operational resilience in the financial sector. It mandates that financial entities must:
• Ensure the security and integrity of their IT systems.
• Maintain continuity and availability of critical functions.
• Manage and mitigate ICT-related risks.
• Implement effective governance and controls over third-party service providers.
• Establish comprehensive incident reporting mechanisms.
Overview of IBM Sterling B2Bi and Sterling File Gateway
IBM Sterling B2Bi
IBM Sterling B2Bi (Business-to-Business Integrator) is a comprehensive B2B integration solution that enables the secure and efficient exchange of information across the extended enterprise. It supports various communication protocols and data formats, facilitating seamless integration with partners, suppliers, and customers.
IBM Sterling File Gateway
IBM Sterling File Gateway is designed for the secure and reliable transfer of files within and across enterprises. It simplifies the exchange of large files, ensuring compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements. Sterling File Gateway supports multiple protocols, encryption standards, and provides detailed tracking and auditing capabilities.
Addressing DORA Requirements with IBM Sterling Solutions
1. Ensuring Security and Integrity
Sterling B2Bi:
• Supports advanced encryption standards and secure communication protocols (e.g., AS2, SFTP, HTTPS) to protect data in transit.
• Provides robust authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only authorized entities can access sensitive information.
• Implements data integrity checks to detect and prevent data corruption during transmission.
Sterling File Gateway:
• Offers end-to-end encryption and secure file transfer protocols to safeguard data.
• Enables granular access control and user management, ensuring that file access is restricted to authorized personnel.
• Provides audit trails and logging capabilities to track file movements and detect unauthorized access.
2. Maintaining Continuity and Availability
Sterling B2Bi:
• Features high availability and disaster recovery options to ensure continuous operation even in the event of system failures.
• Supports load balancing and failover mechanisms to maintain performance and reliability during peak loads.
Sterling File Gateway:
• Ensures uninterrupted file transfers with built-in redundancy and failover capabilities.
• Offers automated retry and recovery options to handle transfer failures and minimize downtime.
3. Managing and Mitigating ICT-related Risks
Sterling B2Bi:
• Provides comprehensive monitoring and alerting tools to identify and respond to potential security threats and operational issues.
• Facilitates the implementation of risk management frameworks through detailed reporting and analytics.
Sterling File Gateway:
• Enables proactive risk management with real-time monitoring and alerting for file transfer activities.
• Offers detailed audit logs and compliance reports to support risk assessments and regulatory audits.
4. Effective Governance and Control over Third-party Service Providers
Sterling B2Bi:
• Allows seamless integration with third-party service providers while maintaining strict control over data exchange processes.
• Supports standardized protocols and data formats to ensure interoperability and compliance with industry standards.
Sterling File Gateway:
• Provides centralized governance for file transfers with external partners, ensuring compliance with security policies and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitates third-party risk management through detailed tracking and auditing of file transfer activities.
5. Comprehensive Incident Reporting
Sterling B2Bi:
• Offers detailed logging and reporting capabilities to capture and document incidents related to data exchanges.
• Supports automated alerting and notification mechanisms to ensure timely incident reporting to relevant stakeholders.
Sterling File Gateway:
• Provides comprehensive audit trails and logs to document file transfer incidents.
• Enables automated incident reporting and escalation workflows to ensure prompt response and resolution.
Conclusion
IBM Sterling B2Bi and Sterling File Gateway are powerful solutions that can help financial institutions comply with the requirements of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). By providing secure, reliable, and efficient data exchange and file transfer capabilities, these solutions enhance the digital operational resilience of organizations, ensuring continuity, security, and compliance in the face of evolving regulatory landscapes.
References
• IBM Sterling B2B Integrator: IBM Sterling B2Bi Documentation
• IBM Sterling File Gateway: IBM Sterling File Gateway Documentation
• Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA): European Commission DORA
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