TISAX® Certification Explained: A Comprehensive Guide for Automotive Compliance 

What is TISAX®? 

 TISAX® stands for Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange. It is a vital automotive industry standard designed to enable the secure processing of private information and the protection of prototypes.

• TISAX® was launched in 2017 by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and is closely associated with the well-known ISO 27001 standard.
• The certification procedure adheres to the requirements outlined in the VDA Information Security Assessment.
• TISAX® is governed by the ENX Association, an independent and unbiased institution that oversees the certification process.

Is TISAX® mandatory? 

TISAX® is not legally required, but it is becoming increasingly important for organizations in the automotive sector, particularly those who engage with large auto manufacturers and suppliers. Many businesses now want their partners to be TISAX® certified to verify that they follow industry-specific security requirements for handling sensitive information and protecting prototypes. Although it is not required by law, gaining TISAX® certification can be critical for organizations seeking to create confidence and secure contracts in the automobile sector. 

What is the difference between TISAX® and ISO 27001? 

TISAX® and ISO 27001 are both standards focused on information security, but they serve slightly different purposes. ISO 27001 is a broad international standard that outlines best practices for managing information security across any industry.  

TISAX®, on the other hand, is specifically designed for the automotive industry and adds extra requirements, like prototype protection, that are critical in that field. TISAX® is based on ISO 27001 but tailors it to meet automotive companies’ unique needs and expectations. 

Understanding the terms: TISAX® level, label and audit objectives  

TISAX levels, labels, and audit objectives are critical components of the TISAX® certification process. The TISAX® certification level describes the many degrees of security that a corporation must fulfill depending on the sensitive information it manages. There are three levels: normal, high, and extremely high.   

A TISAX® label is the certification an organization receives after successfully meeting the security criteria for its level.   

Audit objectives are the precise areas on which the TISAX® assessment focuses, such as a company’s data protection or prototype security. These phrases serve to define what a firm has to do to get TISAX® certified.

Compliance Aspekte is a compliance tool and expert TISAX® consulting services tailored to the automotive industry.  

Our integrated tool supports multiple automotive standards, including TISAX® VDA ISA 6.0, ASPICE®, ISO/SAE 21434, ISO 26262, UNECE WP.29, KGAS, making it easier for your company to meet all the necessary requirements and confidently achieve certification.  

Contact us, and we will help you implement the TISAX® standard with our compliance software. 

Who needs a TISAX® certification? 

TISAX® certification is critical for businesses in the automotive sector, especially those that handle sensitive information or collaborate closely with significant suppliers.  

• Automotive engineering firms: Companies that create and manufacture car parts or software for connected vehicles require TISAX® certification to safeguard their intellectual property and data security. 

• Prototype developers: Businesses involved in creating new automotive technologies, such as autonomous driving systems or innovative car components, should obtain TISAX® certification to meet their clients’ strict security standards. 

• IT service providers: Companies offering IT services, like cloud storage or cybersecurity solutions, to automotive manufacturers or suppliers need TISAX® certification to prove they can securely manage sensitive data. 

• Logistics and supply chain companies: TISAX® certification benefits suppliers that manage the delivery and coordination of parts to automobile manufacturers by ensuring that their partners handle information safely and reliably. 

Essentially, every company participating in the automotive supply chain, from engineering companies to logistics suppliers, would most likely require TISAX® certification to maintain confidence and obtain contracts with major automakers. 

The main benefits of TISAX® certification 

TISAX® certification offers several key advantages for businesses in the automotive industry.  

Enhanced trust and competitiveness: 

• TISAX® certification proves that the organization adheres to rigorous security requirements, which not only fosters confidence with clients, suppliers, and business partners but also increases the company’s competitive advantage.  

• By demonstrating this dedication to security, the company may acquire new business prospects, particularly from large automotive companies that favor certified partners, helping it stand out in the market and retain strong, confident partnerships.  

Relevant and high-quality test criteria: 

• The certification process is tailored specifically for the automotive industry, so the test criteria are highly relevant to businesses. This ensures that the security measures the business implements are directly applicable to the sector’s unique challenges. 

• Thanks to standardized testing and reporting procedures, the quality and results of the tests are consistent and high across the board. This means the results are reliable, comparable, and significant, providing clear insights into the company’s security. 

Efficiency and risk management: 

• TISAX® certification helps avoid unnecessary double or multiple tests, saving the company time and resources. 

• By establishing strong risk management practices, the company can reduce risks and maintain a robust security framework that adapts to new threats. 

Broad acceptance in the automotive sector: 

• TISAX® certification is widely accepted and trusted within the automotive industry. This broad acceptance makes it a valuable benchmark for the company’s security standards. 

• The certification process consistently focuses on customer needs, ensuring that the business meets industry standards while also aligning with clients’ expectations and requirements. 

What are the TISAX® certification requirements? 

Companies who work in or wish to enter the automobile business must have an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that is tailored to the industry. This ISMS should be built on ISO 27001, with extra standards for data protection and prototype security.   

TISAX® has three primary degrees of evaluation, based on how sensitive the information transferred between firms is. The higher the sensitivity, the more comprehensive the audit should be.   

• Level 1: Basic Examination – This is a self-assessment in which the organization examines its own security procedures.  

• Level 2: Plausibility Check – An auditor authorized by the ENX Association evaluates the self-assessment, validates the data, and asks follow-up questions. 

• Level 3: On-Site Audit – The auditor conducts a detailed on-site inspection, checking the self-assessments and the management system in person. 

The audit begins by identifying the necessary security aspects, with an information security check as a required step. Depending on the company’s activities and services, additional checks on data and prototype protection might also be needed. Companies must also meet general and standard security requirements. 

The level of assessment might also be influenced by customer demands, meaning that achieving a higher TISAX® level can improve the company’s chances of securing contracts in the automotive industry. The higher the level, the better market opportunities. 

TISAX ® Compliance Requirements 

TISAX ® requirements are very similar to ISO 27001 and include several key areas: 

• Setting up a strong information management system with a focus on assessing and reducing risks. 

• Demonstrating secure methods in software development. 

• Following best practices for protecting information. 

• Maintaining a secure IT infrastructure. 

• Creating plans for handling incidents and recovering from disasters. 

• Implementing appropriate security measures and controls. 

• Regularly assessing and monitoring security. 

• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR. 

Step-by-step breakdown of the TISAX® certification process 

The following are step-by-step instructions to assist you in understanding what has to be done at each stage of the TISAX® certification process: 

Preparation: Begin by learning about the TISAX® certification criteria, then choose the appropriate audit goals and collect all required documentation. 

Registration: Register your firm for TISAX® and complete a self-assessment using the TISAX® certification questionnaire, including the labels you want to get.  

Select a TISAX® Auditor: Select an impartial audit service provider to conduct the examination. 

Initial Check: The auditor examines your self-assessment to confirm that all information is comprehensive and accurate, frequently validating internal documents as evidence. 

Optimization: Address any issues or errors identified during the initial check. 

Assessment: Based on your audit objective, the auditor will either conduct a remote audit (Level 2) or an on-site audit (Level 3). 

Further Optimization: After the assessment, fix any identified problems or weaknesses. 

Follow-up Audit: You’ll need to show that all issues found during the assessment have been resolved. 

Exchange: Finally, you can choose to publish your audit results on the TISAX® Exchange platform (this step is voluntary). 

What is the TISAX® certification duration? 

The time required to get TISAX® accreditation varies according to an organization’s complexity and preparedness. The process normally starts with a preparation and self-assessment phase, which can span anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how well the business meets TISAX® standards. Following this, the audit process, which is carried out by a qualified provider, might last several weeks to a few months, including the first audit, any necessary follow-up audits, and the evaluation of results.

Once attained, the TISAX® accreditation is valid for three years, with yearly surveillance assessments to verify continuous compliance. Overall, the certification process, from preparation to certification, might take several months to a year or more, depending on the organization’s unique circumstances and the extent of its early preparation.

What are TISAX® certification costs? 

The entire cost of TISAX® certification depends on a number of elements, including the audit charge, consultancy services, and the execution of necessary security measures. Interestingly, the audit alone costs roughly €400 per site and accounts for only a small portion of the total cost.

Companies that need to build or significantly update their Information Security Management System (ISMS) for TISAX® certification, especially if they require guidance from compliance experts, can expect to spend between €20,000 and €50,000, depending on the project’s complexity.

However, companies with an existing ISMS, like those already certified under ISO 27001 or the BSI IT Baseline Protection, will find the preparation process much easier and potentially less costly.

Contact us, and we will give you a free cost estimate specifically for your organization.

Challenges companies face during the TISAX® certification 

Let’s go over the main challenges of the TISAX® certification process and the solutions we’ve devised to assist in addressing them.  

Challenge: Understanding complicated requirements: One of the most difficult issues that businesses encounter is gaining a thorough knowledge of the complex TISAX® criteria, particularly if they are new to the process.  

Solution: Divide the needs into digestible pieces and consider hiring a consultant with TISAX® experience. This can assist in explaining what needs to be done and ensure that the process runs well. 

Challenge: Implementing a strong ISMS: Building or significantly updating an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that meets TISAX® standards can be daunting, especially for companies starting from scratch. 

Solution: A comprehensive ISMS tool helps manage compliance data and effectively supports TISAX® and other standards. If you are looking for such a system, contact us. We will conduct a free demo and tell you about the capabilities of our ISMS tool, its features, and support for automotive and other standards. 

Challenge: Time and resource management: The TISAX® certification process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, putting a strain on your team, especially if they’re balancing other responsibilities. 

Solution: Plan ahead by setting realistic timelines and allocating dedicated resources for the certification process. Regularly check progress and adjust plans as needed to stay on track without overwhelming your team. Another way to save time and resources is to hire an external team of experts. The Compliance Aspekte team can support you at every step in preparing for the TISAX® certification.

Challenge: Adapting to audit findings: During the audit, vulnerabilities or weaknesses that are difficult to address fast may be uncovered, especially if they demand considerable modifications.  

Solution: Treat the audit as a learning opportunity. Prioritize crucial discoveries and develop a clear action plan to resolve all concerns. Even after the audit, you should have a continuous improvement strategy in place.

Conclusion 

Achieving TISAX® accreditation is an important step for automotive firms looking to demonstrate their commitment to information security and create confidence with partners and customers. While the process might be difficult, understanding the criteria, planning adequately, and swiftly addressing any concerns can position your organization for success.  

If you require assistance along the road, Compliance Aspekte provides a complete compliance tool and TISAX® consulting services to help you navigate the TISAX® certification process. Let us assist you confidently in attaining your certification objectives. 

FAQ

Who audits TISAX®? 

Independent audit service providers accredited by the ENX Association are responsible for conducting TISAX® audits. These auditors ensure that companies meet the required security standards specific to the automotive industry. 

What is the primary motivation for automotive industry professionals to pursue TISAX® certification? 

The main motivation is to build trust with partners and clients by demonstrating that they meet industry-specific security standards. TISAX® certification also opens more business opportunities, as many automotive companies require it from their suppliers. 

How can professionals navigate the TISAX® certification process without feeling overwhelmed? 

Breaking the process into smaller, manageable steps and seeking guidance from experts can make it less daunting. Planning and setting clear timelines also help in staying organized and on track. 

What measures are in place to address data security issues during the TISAX® certification process?  
 
TISAX® provides stringent security standards and defined procedures for protecting sensitive data. To achieve these criteria, businesses must develop sophisticated Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), which secure data throughout the certification process.  

How can professionals remain up to speed on the latest TISAX® standards and requirements?  
 
Professionals may remain up to speed on any changes to TISAX® requirements by reviewing the ENX Association’s updates on a regular basis, attending industry seminars, and subscribing to automotive security standards newsletters. 

How can SMEs with limited resources approach TISAX® certification?  

SMEs should begin by evaluating their current security policies and concentrating on the most important areas first. Using existing certifications, such as ISO 27001, can help simplify the process. Prioritizing activities and choosing low-cost consulting services will help you save money.  

Is professional consulting required for SMEs following TISAX® certification?  

While not required, professional consulting may be extremely advantageous to SMEs, particularly if they lack in-house experience. Consultants may give direction, help streamline the process, and verify that all required procedures are performed correctly, saving time and money in the long run.