VARA Technology & Information Rulebook Compliance
VARA Cybersecurity Compliance & Testing Services
Meet every requirement of the VARA Technology & Information Rulebook 2025 with ITSEC —
The cybersecurity partner trusted by regulators and innovators.
What is VARA Compliance?
Technology & Information Rulebook — Effective 19 May 2025
Under VARA's Technology & Information Rulebook (effective 19 May 2025), all Virtual Asset Service Providers operating in Dubai must implement comprehensive cybersecurity controls to maintain their license.
These are not optional guidelines—they're mandatory licensing requirements that VARA actively inspects. Non-compliance can result in license suspension or revocation. Whether you're already operating in Dubai or planning to establish your VASP in the UAE, VARA compliance is mandatory for licensing
Independent Testing
Annual Red Team Simulations (Threat-Led Penetration Testing – TLPT) conducted by certified independent firms
Independent Testing
Annual Red Team Simulations (Threat-Led Penetration Testing – TLPT) conducted by certified independent firms
Independent Testing
Annual Red Team Simulations (Threat-Led Penetration Testing – TLPT) conducted by certified independent firms
ITSEC ensures your platform meets every requirement
Our compliance framework is specifically engineered for VARA inspections, with audit-ready documentation and continuous monitoring to maintain adherence.
Industry Certifications & Accreditations
ISO 27001 Certified
Information Security Management
CREST Approved
Penetration Testing Excellence
OSCP Certified Team
Offensive Security Professionals
UAE Licensed
Dubai Economic Zone Authority
Trusted by VARA-Licensed Entities
LE
Leading UAE
Exchanges
Exchanges
BR
MENA Broker Dealer
Platforms
Platforms
TI
Token Issuance
Provider
Provider
CP
Crypto Payment & Settlement
Networks
Networks
DW
Digital Asset
Custody & Wallets
Custody & Wallets
CT
Crypto Trading
Desk
Desk
Client names confidential per NDA agreements
Proven Track Record in VARA Compliance
Numbers that speak to our expertise and commitment
500+
Assessments Completed
100%
VARA Compliance Rate
50+
Licensed Entities Served
24/7
Expert Support
VARA Technology & Information Rulebook: 6 Core Cybersecurity Requirements
The Technology & Information Rulebook establishes comprehensive cybersecurity mandates for all Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai. Non-compliance puts your license at risk.
VARA refers to Red Team Simulation as Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT) under Rulebook §E
Red Team Simulation (TLPT)
Annual independent Threat-Led Penetration Testing under Rule E
ITSEC Solution: Simulated adversarial attacks
Continuous Monitoring
Ongoing vulnerability scanning & quarterly security audits
ITSEC Solution: Automated threat detection
Key Lifecycle Governance
Cryptographic key management & custody controls (Rule D)
ITSEC Solution: HSM integration & secure storage
CISO Appointment
Designated Chief Information Security Officer (Rule I)
ITSEC Solution: Executive security oversight
Incident Response
72-hour incident notification to VARA (Rule H)
ITSEC Solution: BCDR & response planning
Access Controls & Authentication
Multi-factor authentication & role-based access management
ITSEC Solution: IAM policies & audit trails
Why VARA-Licensed Companies Choose ITSEC.
With 20+ years of cybersecurity leadership, ITSEC is the only firm engineered to pass VARA inspections. Our specialized compliance framework addresses every requirement of the Technology & Information Rulebook ahead of the May 2025 deadline.
UAE-based Red Team experts (TLPT certified)
Regulator-grade testing and reporting
Virtual CISO & PDPL Data Protection
Continuous vulnerability monitoring
Proven audit success track record
Compliance-Ready Security Architecture
Our assessments are designed to satisfy VARA inspectors from day one.
Rulebook-Aligned Testing
Every test scenario maps directly to VARA requirements
Rulebook-Aligned Testing
Every test scenario maps directly to VARA requirements
Rulebook-Aligned Testing
Every test scenario maps directly to VARA requirements
ITSEC Services Mapped to VARA's Technology & Information Rulebook
Our comprehensive security framework addresses every cybersecurity mandate in the VARA regulatory framework.
Track Your VARA Compliance Journey
Real-time visibility into your security posture
Tailored Solutions for Every VARA Entity
Specialized compliance services designed for your specific VARA license type
Your Path to VARA Compliance
A proven 5-step process that takes you from assessment to full regulatory compliance
Day 1
Initial Consultation
Discuss your VARA license type, current security posture, and compliance timeline
Key Deliverables:
Scope definition ●
Compliance gap analysis ●
Project timeline ●
Compliance gap analysis ●
Project timeline ●
Day 2 - 3
Documentation Review
Assess existing policies, procedures, and technical controls against VARA requirements
Key Deliverables:
● Gap analysis report
● Priority recommendations
● Remediation roadmap
● Priority recommendations
● Remediation roadmap
Week 1-2
Red Team Simulation (TLPT)
Comprehensive Threat-Led Penetration Testing across people, processes, and technology
Key Deliverables:
TLPT execution ●
Vulnerability assessment ●
Attack simulation report ●
Vulnerability assessment ●
Attack simulation report ●
Week 3
Remediation & Documentation
Implement fixes, establish key governance, and prepare audit-ready documentation
Key Deliverables:
● Security fixes
● VARA-compliant policies
● Regulator-ready reports
● VARA-compliant policies
● Regulator-ready reports
Quarterly
Ongoing Compliance
Continuous monitoring, quarterly scans, and annual Red Team exercises
Key Deliverables:
Vulnerability scans ●
Compliance updates ●
Annual TLPT refresh ●
Compliance updates ●
Annual TLPT refresh ●
Your Path to VARA Compliance
A proven 5-step process that takes you from assessment to full regulatory compliance
Essential Compliance
Perfect for VASPs preparing for their first VARA inspection
Contact Us
Custom pricing per entity
✔ Annual Red Team Simulation (TLPT
✔ Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
✔ Basic Key Governance Framework
✔ 72-Hour Incident Response Plan
✔ VARA-Compliant Documentation
✔ Quarterly Vulnerability Scans
✔ Email Support
✔ Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
✔ Basic Key Governance Framework
✔ 72-Hour Incident Response Plan
✔ VARA-Compliant Documentation
✔ Quarterly Vulnerability Scans
✔ Email Support
Complete Assurance
Comprehensive coverage for active exchanges and broker-dealers
Contact Us
Custom pricing per entity
✔ Everything in Essential, plus:
✔ Virtual CISO Services (50 hours/year)
✔ Advanced Key Lifecycle Management
✔ HSM Integration & Configuration
✔ SOC Setup & SIEM Integration
✔ Monthly Security Reviews
✔ 24/7 Incident Response Hotline
✔ Dedicated Compliance Manager
✔ Virtual CISO Services (50 hours/year)
✔ Advanced Key Lifecycle Management
✔ HSM Integration & Configuration
✔ SOC Setup & SIEM Integration
✔ Monthly Security Reviews
✔ 24/7 Incident Response Hotline
✔ Dedicated Compliance Manager
Enterprise Shield
White-glove service for high-volume platforms and multi-entity groups
Contact Us
Custom pricing per entity
✔ Everything in Complete, plus:
✔ Full-Time Virtual CISO (Unlimited)
✔ Multi-Entity Compliance Coordination
✔ Smart Contract Security Audits
✔ Custom Security Architecture Design
✔ Weekly Status Meetings
✔ Priority VARA Inspection Prep
✔ Continuous Threat Monitoring
✔ SLA-Backed Response Times
✔ Full-Time Virtual CISO (Unlimited)
✔ Multi-Entity Compliance Coordination
✔ Smart Contract Security Audits
✔ Custom Security Architecture Design
✔ Weekly Status Meetings
✔ Priority VARA Inspection Prep
✔ Continuous Threat Monitoring
✔ SLA-Backed Response Times
Need a Custom Solution?
Large enterprises, multi-jurisdiction entities, or unique compliance requirements?
We build bespoke security programs for complex VARA scenarios.
Discuss Enterprise NeedsWe build bespoke security programs for complex VARA scenarios.
Trusted by VARA-Licensed Leaders
Join dozens of exchanges, broker-dealers, and issuers who achieved compliance with ITSEC
"Professional, thorough, and regulator-grade documentation. ITSEC's incident response planning was comprehensive and practical."
E
Elena Rodriguez
VP Operations
"The Virtual CISO service exceeded expectations. ITSEC understood VARA requirements better than firms charging 3x their rate."
M
Michael Chen
Chief Technology Officer
"Passed VARA inspection with zero findings. ITSEC's cryptographic key governance framework is exactly what regulators wanted to see."
A
Ahmed Hassan
Head of Security
"Professional, thorough, and regulator-grade documentation. ITSEC's incident response planning was comprehensive and practical."
E
Elena Rodriguez
VP Operations
98%
Client Satisfaction
45+
VASPs Compliant
100%
Inspection Pass Rate
VARA Technology & Information Rulebook: 6 Core Cybersecurity Requirements
The Technology & Information Rulebook establishes comprehensive cybersecurity mandates for all Virtual Asset Service Providers in Dubai. Non-compliance puts your license at risk.
100%
Compliance Achievement
The Challenge
A high-volume exchange facing their first VARA inspection needed to demonstrate compliance with the Technology & Information Rulebook, including annual Red Team testing (TLPT), key governance, and incident response capabilities.
"ITSEC's Red Team Simulation revealed vulnerabilities we didn't know existed and helped us fix them before VARA's inspection. Their regulator-grade documentation was exactly what the inspectors needed. We passed with zero findings."
— CISO, Licensed VARA Exchange
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
— CISO, Licensed VARA Exchange
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Key Deliverables:
☑ Comprehensive TLPT (Red Team) Report
☑ 72-Hour Incident Response Plan
☑ Quarterly Vulnerability Scanning Setup
☑ 72-Hour Incident Response Plan
☑ Quarterly Vulnerability Scanning Setup
☑ Cryptographic Key Governance Framework
☑ Virtual CISO Oversight Program
☑ VARA Audit-Ready Documentation
☑ Virtual CISO Oversight Program
☑ VARA Audit-Ready Documentation
The Solution
ITSEC conducted a comprehensive 3-week Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT) engagement, implemented cryptographic key lifecycle controls, and established a Virtual CISO oversight framework.
3
Weeks to Compliance
0
Inspection Findings
Request Your VARA Cybersecurity Assessment
Get started with a comprehensive evaluation of your platform's compliance with VARA's Technology & Information Rulebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
VARA Cybersecurity Requirements Explained
Common questions about VARA compliance and ITSEC's services
When does VARA's Technology & Information Rulebook take effect?
VARA's Technology & Information Rulebook becomes effective on 19 May 2025. All Virtual Asset Service Providers must be fully compliant by this date. This includes implementing Red Team Simulations (TLPT), cryptographic key governance, CISO appointment, incident response procedures, and continuous security monitoring. ITSEC recommends starting your compliance assessment at least 3-4 months before the deadline to ensure adequate time for remediation and documentation.
What is TLPT and how does it relate to Red Team Testing?
TLPT (Threat-Led Penetration Testing) is the formal VARA term for a Red Team Simulation — a controlled cyber-attack exercise that tests your real-world defenses under the Technology & Information Rulebook (effective 19 May 2025). It goes beyond standard penetration testing by simulating actual threat actor techniques to evaluate your organization's detection and response capabilities.
How is Red Team different from regular penetration testing?
Penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities in specific systems or applications. Red Team Simulations (TLPT) replicate sophisticated attacks to test your entire security ecosystem — including people, processes, and technology. Red Team engagements evaluate your security operations center, incident response procedures, and staff awareness in addition to technical controls. This comprehensive approach is what VARA requires under Rule E.
Do we need a CISO for VARA compliance?
Yes. Under VARA's Technology & Information Rulebook (Rule I), all Virtual Asset Service Providers must appoint a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or equivalent senior security executive. This individual must have sufficient authority and resources to oversee cybersecurity operations. ITSEC offers Virtual CISO services for organizations that need to fulfill this requirement without hiring a full-time executive.
How soon must incidents be reported to VARA?
Under Rule H of the Technology & Information Rulebook, VASPs must report material cybersecurity incidents to VARA within 72 hours of discovery. This includes any incident that materially affects operations, customer data, or assets. ITSEC's incident response planning ensures you have the procedures and documentation required to meet this strict timeline.
How often must security testing be performed?
VARA requires annual independent Red Team Simulation (TLPT) testing under Rule E, along with quarterly internal vulnerability scans and continuous security monitoring. ITSEC provides comprehensive testing schedules that satisfy all VARA requirements while minimizing operational disruption.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Non-compliance with VARA's cybersecurity requirements can result in license suspension, financial penalties, mandatory remediation under regulatory supervision, or license revocation. VARA conducts regular inspections and can impose enforcement actions for failure to meet Technology & Information Rulebook standards.
How long does a VARA compliance assessment take?
A comprehensive VARA cybersecurity assessment typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of your platform and scope of services. This includes Red Team Simulation (TLPT), key governance review, incident response evaluation, and documentation preparation. ITSEC works with your team to minimize operational impact.
Can you help us prepare for a VARA inspection?
Yes. ITSEC specializes in VARA inspection preparation, including gap analysis, documentation review, remediation guidance, and mock inspections. Our compliance framework maps directly to VARA's assessment criteria, and our deliverables are designed to satisfy regulator requirements.