DORA-Compliant Threat-Led Penetration Testing
- Identify and prioritize critical vulnerabilities based on real-world threats
- Reduce re-work and false positives with a targeted testing approach
- Improve security posture by focusing on the most impactful risks
- Align security testing with DORA principles for faster deployments
Why the EU requires Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT)
Russian and other foreign hackers are real threats to businesses and the government sector. The European Union mandates Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT) through DORA to enhance the cybersecurity defenses of financial institutions, ensuring they are resilient against such threats.
Potential harms exposed by TLPT
Data breaches
Theft of sensitive information like customer records or financial data, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory fines.
Disrupted operations
System outages or ransomware attacks impacting business continuity and productivity.
Why choose UnderDefense for DORA TLPT?
DORA expertise
We understand DORA requirements and tailor our TLPT services to ensure compliance.
Proven track record
Our experienced penetration testers have a proven track record of identifying and mitigating security risks.
Real-world scenarios
We simulate realistic attack scenarios based on the latest threats and attacker behaviors.
Comprehensive testing
Our TLPT engagements cover vulnerability assessments, network penetration testing, gap analysis, and social engineering simulations.
Report with remediation guidance
We provide detailed reports with clear recommendations for remediation.
Grab penetration testing reports and attestation letters
DORA TLPT aligned risk assessment and remediation to bolster your defenses
Detailed report with clear remediation guidelines
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Professional attestation letter
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Additional free services for better outcomes
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Benefits of UnderDefense DORA TLPT
Superior threat detection
Identify critical vulnerabilities based on real-world attacker tactics.
Enhanced security posture
Focus resources on areas with the greatest impact and improve overall security resilience.
DORA compliance
Meet DORA's mandatory TLPT requirements for financial institutions.
UnderDefense DORA TLPT process
UnderDefense DORA TLPT process
Get started with DORA TLPT today
Schedule a consultation and learn how our DORA-compliant Threat-Led Penetration Testing service can help you achieve a more secure future.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does DORA require pen testing?
Answer: DORA requires penetration testing because it's essential for financial institutions to test the resilience of their digital infrastructure. Testing helps identify vulnerabilities and security gaps that attackers could exploit. By simulating attacks, financial institutions can test their defenses in a safe environment and be ready for real-world threats. DORA requires this type of testing to maintain operational resilience across the financial sector so institutions are not only prepared but can also respond to cybersecurity incidents.
What is TLPT?
Answer: TLPT, or Threat-Led Penetration Testing, is a type of penetration testing where real-world cyber threats are simulated to test an organization. Unlike traditional pen testing, which identifies technical vulnerabilities, TLPT mirrors actual attackers' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). It tests an organization's defenses based on real and current threat intelligence against specific vulnerabilities that sophisticated threat actors would exploit. It allows organizations to understand better and mitigate the risks they face from known cyber threats.
What's the difference between TLPT and the TIBER framework?
Answer: TLPT means penetration testing driven by real-world threat intelligence. The TIBER framework is a formal methodology developed by the European Central Bank to conduct TLPT in a regulated and structured way. TIBER integrates threat intelligence and red teaming into its testing process and is for financial institutions in the EU. The main difference is that TIBER provides a standardized and regulated way of doing TLPT. In contrast, TLPT can be more flexible and applied across different sectors outside the TIBER framework.
How is Threat-Led Penetration Testing different from Pen Testing?
Answer: The approach is the main difference between standard pen testing and Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT). Traditional pen testing tries to find various system vulnerabilities, often using generic testing methods. TLPT is driven by real threat intelligence and simulates specific attacks that actual attackers use. TLPT looks at an organization's security from the perspective of known attackers, often targeting high-risk areas based on recent threat intelligence. It makes TLPT a more targeted and realistic way of testing security.
TLPT definition of DORA
Answer: Under DORA, Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT) is defined as a way to simulate advanced attacks using real-world threat intelligence to test the resilience of an organization's critical infrastructure. It's part of DORA's overall objective to ensure the operational resilience of financial entities. By using TLPT, financial institutions can test their ability to detect and respond to cyber threats early, improving their overall security and reducing the risk of major breaches.
Do I have to hire a third party for TLPT, or can I do it myself?
Answer: While some organizations may be able to do TLPT in-house, it's highly recommended—and often required by DORA—to engage a third party for these tests. A third party brings independence, objectivity, and the latest threat intelligence to the process, so the testing reflects real-world attack scenarios. This external perspective is key to an unbiased view of security risks. UnderDefense, with our expertise in TLPT, can provide the technical skills required and ensure regulatory compliance and a deep understanding of the threats most relevant to your organization.