What is TISAX?
by josheph bell
March 26, 2025
Read a comprehensive introduction to TISAX and learn how this standard can help companies in the automotive industry improve and systematically manage their information security.
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an audit and exchange mechanism for information security specifically developed for the automotive industry. TISAX was initiated and is managed by the ENX Association.
It enables companies to assess their information security and securely share the results with business partners. This is especially important for the secure exchange of sensitive data along the supply chain and ensures that all parties adhere to a high level of security.
Introduction
The automotive industry faces the challenge of exchanging large amounts of sensitive information between various stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers. This information includes:
• Technical data
• Production plans
• Prototypes
A security incident in this context could cause not only financial damage but also harm trust between partners. Therefore, a unified standard for information security is essential, and this is where TISAX comes into play.
What is TISAX?
TISAX is an industry-specific information security certification program based on the international standard ISO/IEC 27001. It was designed to meet the specific needs of the automotive industry.
TISAX allows companies to review their information security processes and demonstrate compliance to their business partners. The results of these reviews are published on a central portal, where they can be accessed by other participating companies.
The Certification Process
The TISAX certification process involves several steps:
1. Registration: Companies wishing to participate in TISAX must first register through the TISAX portal, operated by the ENX Association.
2. Self-Assessment: After registration, companies conduct a self-assessment to evaluate their information security processes based on the VDA-ISA Catalog (Verband der Automobilindustrie - Information Security Assessment). This catalog contains detailed requirements and best practices for information security.
3. On-Site Audit: An accredited audit provider verifies the self-assessment results on-site. This audit involves a detailed review of the company’s information security measures to ensure compliance with the VDA-ISA Catalog requirements.
4. Issuance of Audit Results: After a successful audit, the audit provider issues a result, which is published in the TISAX portal. This result is visible to other participating companies, allowing them to assess their partners' information security standards.
Key Components
ISMS (Information Security Management System)
A central component of TISAX is the ISMS, a framework for managing information security within a company. It includes policies, procedures, and technical measures aimed at ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
An effective ISMS helps companies identify and manage risks, minimize security incidents, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
VDA-ISA
The VDA-ISA Catalog is a comprehensive assessment tool containing specific requirements and best practices for information security in the automotive industry. It covers various areas, including:
• Organizational and technical security
• Risk management
• Compliance with legal requirements
The catalog is regularly updated to address evolving threats and requirements.
Significance of TISAX
TISAX offers several benefits for the automotive industry:
- Standardization: By establishing a unified standard for information security, TISAX contributes to the harmonization of security requirements. This makes it easier for companies to assess their partners' security standards and ensure all parties meet the same requirements.
- Trust: TISAX certification builds trust between business partners by demonstrating that a company meets high security standards. This is especially important in an industry where sensitive data exchange is routine.
- Efficiency: The use of a standardized assessment process reduces the effort required for security reviews and audits. Companies no longer need to conduct multiple different security assessments but can rely on a single recognized standard.
- Transparency: The TISAX portal allows companies to view and compare their partners' security standards. This promotes transparency and simplifies the selection of business partners that meet specific security requirements.
Current Developments
In recent years, the importance of TISAX in the automotive industry has grown. Increasingly, companies are adopting TISAX to standardize their information security and foster trustworthy partnerships.
This trend is further driven by the increasing digitization and networking within the industry. New technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous vehicles introduce additional information security challenges that TISAX can address.
Furthermore, the ENX Association has continuously worked to enhance the TISAX standard and adapt it to the evolving needs of the industry. This includes regular updates to the VDA-ISA Catalog and the introduction of new certification levels and audit methods.
TISAX: Essential for the Automotive Industry
TISAX is an indispensable part of the information security strategy in the automotive industry. By establishing a unified standard and fostering transparency and trust, TISAX helps enhance security and efficiency across the entire supply chain.
For companies operating in this industry, participating in TISAX is a critical step to maintaining competitiveness and meeting the high demands of information security