Everything you need to know about TISAX

The Need for TISAX

The rapid adoption of IT systems, cloud services, and IoT in business operations has brought both benefits and risks. The automotive industry, in particular, requires stringent information security measures due to its reliance on sensitive data and competitive innovation. To address these challenges, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) introduced the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) in 2017. TISAX standardizes cybersecurity requirements, ensuring uniform compliance and minimizing the risks posed by third-party suppliers. It serves as a unified framework, helping automotive stakeholders meet high-security standards while streamlining interactions between manufacturers and suppliers.

Key Risks in the Automotive Industry

Third-party vulnerabilities are a major concern, as attackers often target less-secure suppliers to access sensitive data. The automotive sector faces unique risks, including industrial espionage and the theft of prototype-related data. With the competitive edge hinging on innovation, securing intellectual property and development processes becomes crucial. TISAX mitigates these threats by enforcing robust information security protocols across the supply chain, reducing vulnerabilities and protecting the integrity of operations.

Structure and Requirements of TISAX

TISAX is built on two main documents: the Participant Handbook (certification rules) and the VDA Information Security Assessment (ISA) table (security requirements). These documents define the objectives and expectations for organizations seeking certification. TISAX covers three primary objectives:

• General Information Security: Protecting transferred information against breaches and unauthorized access.
• Prototype Protection: Securing prototype parts, components, and related data from industrial espionage.
• Data Protection: Ensuring GDPR compliance for personal data handled within the automotive supply chain.

The requirements are based on ISO 27001 controls but are more detailed and specific to the automotive context. Certification demands achieving at least a “maturity level 3” for all relevant requirements, ensuring robust and established security practices.

The TISAX Process

• Registration: Organizations begin by defining the scope of their assessment, covering all relevant sites, IT systems, and outsourced activities involved in managing data from automotive partners.
• Evaluation: Companies address security gaps through internal projects and self-assessments before undergoing live audits. These audits are conducted by authorized auditors, with varying levels of rigor depending on the assessment objectives.
• Sharing: Certified suppliers upload their audit results to the ENX Portal, where they can be shared with automotive partners. Information can be shared at different levels, ranging from a simple compliance label to detailed reports.

Benefits of TISAX Certification

Achieving TISAX certification enhances an organization’s reputation, safeguards intellectual property, and ensures operational stability. By creating a standardized security framework, it minimizes redundancies and fosters trust between manufacturers and suppliers. Furthermore, it helps protect against risks such as ransomware attacks and data breaches, which could disrupt supply chains or result in financial penalties. The certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in information security, providing a competitive advantage in the automotive industry.

How EURO ONE Can Help

EURO ONE offers tailored consultancy services to support organizations in preparing for TISAX certification. From initial assessments to pre-audit testing, EURO ONE ensures a smooth path to compliance. Services include:

• A free initial consultation to assess your organization’s current security posture.
• Development of regulatory frameworks, risk analyses, and data management policies.
• Conducting preliminary test audits to identify and address compliance gaps before the official evaluation.

By partnering with EURO ONE, organizations can confidently navigate the TISAX certification process and strengthen their information security capabilities. Contact EURO ONE for expert guidance and a free consultation.

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