What is VARA Compliance?
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
Annual Red Team Simulations (Threat-Led Penetration Testing – TLPT) conducted by certified independent firms
Secure key lifecycle management, custody controls, and Hardware Security Module (HSM) integration
Mandatory incident notification to VARA within 72 hours, including BCDR plans and response procedures
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
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.
ITSEC Services Mapped to VARA Requirements
Your Compliance Journey
Track your progress towards VARA compliance
Tailored Solutions for Every VARA Entity
Simulated attacks on trading, hot wallets, & API endpoints.
Hot/cold wallet architecture review and custody control validation.
24/7 security operations center setup and threat monitoring.
SIEM Implementation
Security Information & Event Management w/ real-time alerting.
Audit Logging
Comprehensive transaction access logging for regulatory reporting.
Threat Monitoring
24/7 security operations center setup and threat monitoring.
Vault Security Assessment
Hardware security module (HSM) integration and cold storage validation.
Key Management Protocols
Multi-party computation and threshold signature scheme reviews.
Asset Transfer Controls
24/7 security operations center setup and threat monitoring.
Smart Contract Security
DeFi protocol audit and liquidity pool vulnerability assessment.
Oracle Security Review
Price feed validation and manipulation resistance testing.
Collateral Management
24/7 security operations center setup and threat monitoring.
Portfolio Platform Security
Investment management system penetration testing and API security.
Fund Administration Controls
NAV calculation integrity and reporting system security audits.
Client Asset Segregation
Multi-tenant architecture security and data isolation validation.
Smart Contract Audit
Line-by-line code review of token contracts and deployment security.
Key Custody Reviews
Multi-signature governance and key management protocol validation.
Issuance Platform Security
End-to-end security assessment of token issuance infrastructure.
5-Step VARA Compliance Process
gap analysis ●
Project timeline ●
● Priority recommendations
● Remediation roadmap
Vulnerability assessment ●
Attack simulation report ●
● VARA-compliant policies
● Regulator-ready reports
Compliance updates ●
Annual TLPT refresh ●
Transparent Compliance Pricing
Choose the package that fits your compliance needs
Perfect for VASPs preparing for their first VARA inspection
✔ Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
✔ Basic Key Governance Framework
✔ 72-Hour Incident Response Plan
✔ VARA-Compliant Documentation
✔ Quarterly Vulnerability Scans
✔ Email Support
Comprehensive coverage for active exchanges and broker-dealers
✔ 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
White-glove service for high-volume platforms
✔ 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
Trusted by VARA-Licensed Leaders
Join dozens of exchanges, broker-dealers, and issuers who achieved compliance with ITSEC
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Passed VARA Inspection – Zero Findings
Leading Dubai crypto exchange achieves full VARA compliance with ITSEC's comprehensive Red Team (TLPT) engagement
— CISO, Licensed VARA Exchange
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
☑ 72-Hour Incident Response Plan
☑ Quarterly Vulnerability Scanning Setup
☑ Virtual CISO Oversight Program
☑ VARA Audit-Ready Documentation
VARA Cybersecurity Requirements Explained
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