TISAX Compliance
Secure Your Automotive Supply Chain
The global automotive industry faces unprecedented cybersecurity challenges as vehicles become increasingly connected, autonomous, and software-driven. Modern vehicles contain over 100 million lines of code, numerous electronic control units (ECUs), and connectivity features creating vast attack surfaces. Protecting intellectual property (IP), production data, and customer information throughout complex, multinational supply chains is critical. TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is the automotive industry's standardized information security assessment mechanism developed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Based on VDA Information Security Assessment (ISA) catalog, TISAX enables automotive OEMs and suppliers to conduct information security assessments with standardized criteria and mutually recognize results across the industry. Rather than each OEM conducting separate security audits of suppliers, TISAX creates a single, shareable assessment accepted by multiple manufacturers. For automotive suppliers, TISAX compliance is increasingly mandatory for business relationships with major OEMs including Volkswagen Group, BMW, Daimler, Audi, Porsche, and many others now requiring TISAX assessment results as prerequisite for supplier qualification and contract awards. The TISAX assessment evaluates controls across information security, prototype protection, and data protection addressing automotive-specific risks. At Glocert International, we provide expert TISAX readiness assessment and implementation services helping automotive suppliers and OEMs achieve compliance. Our experienced team guides you through TISAX readiness assessment, gap remediation, audit preparation, and ongoing compliance maintenance. Partner with Glocert to achieve TISAX compliance, meet OEM requirements, protect sensitive automotive data, and secure your position in the automotive supply chain.
What is TISAX?
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a common assessment and exchange mechanism for information security in the automotive industry. Established by the ENX Association and German automotive industry (VDA), TISAX provides standardized information security assessments accepted across the automotive sector.
Key Components
TISAX is built on several elements:
- VDA ISA Catalog: The assessment questionnaire based on ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 with automotive-specific requirements covering information security, prototype protection, and data protection
- ENX Association: Organization managing TISAX including participant registration, audit provider accreditation, and assessment result exchange via secure portal
- Accredited Audit Providers: ENX-accredited auditing companies conducting TISAX assessments with trained and certified auditors
- Assessment Levels: Three maturity levels (AL1, AL2, AL3) with increasing depth of assessment and evidence requirements
- Scopes: Assessment can cover information security, prototype protection (physical security), and/or data protection depending on supplier activities
- Result Sharing: Assessment results shared through ENX portal enabling OEMs to view supplier TISAX status without repeated audits
TISAX vs. ISO 27001
While TISAX is based on ISO 27001 standards, key differences exist:
- Industry-Specific: TISAX includes automotive-specific requirements (prototype protection, connected vehicle data)
- Not a Certification: TISAX is assessment, not certification—results indicate maturity level achieved but no certificate issued
- Mandatory Sharing: Results automatically shared with registered OEM participants through ENX portal
- Regular Reassessment: TISAX assessments valid for 3 years but OEMs may require more frequent updates
- Automotive Focus: Questions and controls tailored to automotive supply chain context
Organizations with ISO 27001 certification have significant head start on TISAX compliance as many requirements overlap, but additional automotive-specific controls and prototype protection requirements must be addressed.
Why TISAX Compliance Matters
1. OEM Requirement and Market Access
TISAX compliance is increasingly mandatory for automotive suppliers. Major OEMs including Volkswagen Group brands (VW, Audi, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda), BMW Group, Daimler/Mercedes-Benz, and others require suppliers to complete TISAX assessments as prerequisite for business relationships. Without TISAX compliance, suppliers risk losing existing contracts, being excluded from new RFQs, and being unable to participate in new vehicle development programs. For suppliers seeking to enter or expand in European automotive market, TISAX is essential.
2. Intellectual Property Protection
Automotive development involves highly sensitive intellectual property including vehicle designs and styling (exterior, interior, brand identity), powertrain technology (engines, transmissions, electric drivetrains), autonomous driving algorithms and sensor fusion, infotainment systems and user interfaces, manufacturing processes and tooling, and supply chain and cost data. IP theft can undermine competitive advantage, enable counterfeiting, and compromise strategic plans. TISAX's prototype protection requirements specifically address physical and digital safeguards for sensitive automotive IP throughout development lifecycle.
3. Connected Vehicle Data Protection
Modern vehicles generate vast amounts of data including location and driving behavior, biometric data (driver monitoring), personal information and contacts, vehicle diagnostics and performance, and customer preferences and habits. Protecting this data is critical for privacy compliance (GDPR), customer trust, and regulatory requirements. TISAX data protection scope addresses handling of personal data in automotive context including data collected by vehicles, processed by automotive systems, and stored by suppliers.
4. Supply Chain Efficiency
Before TISAX, each OEM conducted separate security assessments of suppliers resulting in duplicate audits, inconsistent requirements, significant supplier burden, and compliance inefficiency. TISAX eliminates redundant assessments through standardized criteria accepted across industry, single assessment satisfying multiple OEMs, results shared through ENX portal, and reduced audit fatigue for suppliers. This creates efficiency for both suppliers (one assessment vs. many) and OEMs (accessing existing results vs. conducting audits).
5. Cybersecurity Risk Management
Automotive supply chains face sophisticated cyber threats including ransomware attacks disrupting production, IP theft by state-sponsored actors and competitors, supply chain attacks compromising automotive systems, and insider threats from employees and contractors. TISAX implementation drives security improvements including comprehensive security controls, regular risk assessments, incident response capabilities, supply chain security requirements, and continuous monitoring and improvement. Strong TISAX compliance reduces cybersecurity risk protecting business operations and automotive ecosystem.
Our TISAX Services
Glocert International provides comprehensive TISAX assessment and implementation services for automotive industry.
TISAX Readiness Assessment
We conduct pre-audit readiness assessments evaluating your current security posture against VDA ISA requirements. Our assessment covers all applicable scopes (information security, prototype protection, data protection) and identifies gaps preventing successful TISAX assessment. We deliver detailed gap analysis with prioritized remediation roadmap preparing you for formal TISAX audit by accredited provider.
VDA ISA Implementation
We help implement VDA ISA controls addressing information security management system (based on ISO 27001/27002), physical security and prototype protection (secure areas, visitor management, prototype handling), data protection and privacy (GDPR compliance for vehicle and customer data), and supply chain security (supplier management, third-party security). Implementation guidance tailored to target Assessment Level and your organization's automotive activities.
Assessment Level Scoping
We help determine appropriate TISAX Assessment Level (AL1, AL2, or AL3) based on OEM requirements, data sensitivity, and organizational activities. We define assessment scope including relevant locations, business units, and protection requirements. Proper scoping ensures assessment addresses OEM expectations while being achievable for your organization.
Documentation and Evidence Preparation
TISAX assessments require comprehensive documentation and evidence. We help prepare policies and procedures, security documentation, evidence of control implementation, training records and competency documentation, incident management records, and supplier security assessments. Well-organized documentation facilitates smooth audit process and demonstrates control maturity.
Audit Preparation and Support
We prepare your team for TISAX audit including mock audits simulating assessment process, staff training on responding to auditor questions, evidence organization and accessibility, coordination with ENX-accredited audit provider, and on-site support during assessment (if requested). Thorough preparation increases likelihood of achieving target Assessment Level on first attempt.
Remediation and Reassessment
If initial assessment identifies findings or lower maturity than desired, we provide remediation support addressing audit findings, implementing corrective actions, improving control maturity, and preparing for reassessment. We help organizations progress from AL2 to AL3 or address OEM feedback requiring compliance improvements.
Ongoing Compliance Maintenance
TISAX assessments valid for 3 years require sustained compliance. We provide ongoing support including annual compliance checks, policy and procedure updates, continuous improvement programs, preparation for surveillance activities, and preparation for 3-year reassessment. Continuous compliance ensures readiness for OEM audits and maintains security posture between formal assessments.
TISAX Assessment Levels
TISAX defines three Assessment Levels with increasing maturity and evidence requirements:
Assessment Level 1 (AL1) - Self-Assessment
Organization completes self-assessment questionnaire without independent verification. Suitable for low protection needs, initial TISAX engagement, and suppliers with minimal sensitive data exposure. AL1 rarely sufficient for OEM requirements—most require minimum AL2.
Assessment Level 2 (AL2) - Third-Party Assessment
Independent assessment by ENX-accredited audit provider with on-site audit. Auditor reviews documentation, interviews staff, inspects controls, and validates implementation. AL2 is most common requirement for automotive suppliers handling normal/high protection needs including production data, technical specifications, and customer data. Assessment includes comprehensive review of all applicable VDA ISA controls with evidence validation.
Assessment Level 3 (AL3) - Enhanced Assessment
Most rigorous assessment with extensive evidence requirements and deeper testing. Required for very high protection needs including prototype development, advanced engineering data, strategic product plans, and highly sensitive IP. AL3 includes detailed technical testing, comprehensive evidence review, and may involve penetration testing or security architecture review. Reserved for suppliers handling most sensitive automotive information.
Choosing Assessment Level
Assessment Level typically determined by:
- OEM Requirements: Customer contracts specify minimum Assessment Level
- Protection Needs: Sensitivity of data and information handled
- Scope: Whether information security only or including prototype protection and data protection
- Risk Assessment: Potential impact of security breach
Benefits of TISAX Compliance:
OEM Access
Meets mandatory requirements for business with major automotive OEMs, enabling contract awards and RFQ participation.
IP Protection
Protects sensitive automotive intellectual property, prototype designs, and strategic product information.
Audit Efficiency
Single assessment accepted by multiple OEMs eliminating duplicate audits and reducing compliance burden.
Competitive Advantage
Demonstrates security maturity differentiating from competitors and building OEM confidence.
TISAX Services Pricing
Our TISAX services pricing is transparent and based on your organization size, target Assessment Level, and current security maturity. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees.
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Get a personalized estimate based on your organization's specific TISAX compliance needs.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included in TISAX Pricing:
- Comprehensive TISAX readiness assessment
- VDA ISA gap analysis against target Assessment Level
- Assessment scope definition and protection needs analysis
- VDA ISA control implementation guidance
- Policy and procedure development/updates
- Prototype protection controls implementation
- Documentation and evidence preparation
- Staff training and awareness programs
- Mock audit and assessment preparation
- Audit coordination support
- Remediation planning for findings
- Ongoing compliance maintenance
Note: TISAX pricing varies based on organization size (employees, locations), target Assessment Level (AL2 vs. AL3), assessment scope (information security, prototype protection, data protection), number of sites requiring assessment, current security maturity level, and whether seeking initial assessment or reassessment. Formal TISAX audit by ENX-accredited provider is separate cost (typically €5,000-€15,000+ depending on scope and Assessment Level) paid directly to audit provider. Contact us for detailed quote tailored to your TISAX needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about TISAX compliance:
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is standardized information security assessment mechanism for automotive industry developed by German automotive industry (VDA) and managed by ENX Association. Based on VDA ISA catalog (derived from ISO 27001/27002 with automotive-specific requirements), TISAX enables suppliers to complete single assessment accepted by multiple OEMs. Major automotive manufacturers (Volkswagen Group, BMW, Daimler, etc.) require suppliers to complete TISAX assessments as prerequisite for business relationships. Without TISAX compliance, suppliers cannot access contracts, participate in RFQs, or work on vehicle development programs with these OEMs. TISAX addresses information security, prototype protection (physical security for sensitive automotive IP), and data protection (personal data from connected vehicles). Assessment results shared through ENX portal eliminating duplicate audits. For automotive suppliers, TISAX is essential for market access and maintaining OEM relationships.
Three Assessment Levels with increasing rigor: AL1: Self-assessment without independent verification. Rarely sufficient for OEM requirements. AL2: Third-party assessment by ENX-accredited auditor with on-site audit, documentation review, and evidence validation. Most common requirement for suppliers handling normal/high protection needs (production data, technical specifications, customer data). AL3: Enhanced assessment with extensive evidence and deeper testing. Required for very high protection needs (prototype development, advanced engineering, strategic plans, highly sensitive IP). Which level? Determined by OEM requirements (specified in contracts), protection needs (sensitivity of data handled), and risk assessment (impact of potential breach). Most automotive suppliers require minimum AL2. Check customer contracts for specific requirements or ask OEM procurement/quality contacts.
TISAX based on ISO 27001/27002 but with key differences: Industry-specific: TISAX includes automotive-specific requirements not in ISO 27001 (prototype protection, connected vehicle data, supply chain specifics). Assessment vs. Certification: TISAX is assessment indicating maturity level achieved, not certification. No TISAX certificate issued—results shown in ENX portal. Mandatory sharing: TISAX results automatically shared with registered OEM participants through portal. Prototype protection: TISAX includes dedicated scope for physical security of prototypes and sensitive automotive IP. Valid 3 years: Both have 3-year cycle but TISAX requires full reassessment vs. ISO 27001 surveillance audits. Organizations with ISO 27001 certification have significant advantage for TISAX as many controls overlap, but must address additional automotive-specific requirements and prototype protection scope. ISO 27001 certificate does not substitute for TISAX—separate TISAX assessment required for automotive OEM compliance.
Timeline varies based on starting point and target: Organizations with ISO 27001: 3-6 months to address automotive-specific requirements and complete TISAX assessment. Organizations with basic security: 6-12 months to implement VDA ISA controls and achieve AL2 readiness. Organizations starting from scratch: 12-18 months to build comprehensive ISMS and prototype protection capabilities for AL2. AL3 typically requires additional 3-6 months beyond AL2 for enhanced controls and evidence. Typical phases: Gap assessment (2-4 weeks), remediation planning, control implementation (3-9 months), documentation and evidence preparation (1-2 months), mock audit and final preparation (2-4 weeks), formal TISAX audit (1-2 weeks including report). Factors affecting timeline: Current security maturity, organization size and complexity, target Assessment Level, scope (information security only vs. including prototype protection and data protection), resource availability. Note: Scheduling formal audit with ENX-accredited provider may require 4-8 weeks lead time. Plan accordingly when OEM deadline exists.
TISAX audits conducted exclusively by ENX-accredited audit providers—authorized auditing companies with ENX-certified auditors trained in VDA ISA and TISAX process. Current accredited providers include major certification bodies with automotive expertise. Process: 1. Register on ENX portal: Organization registers as participant (free) on ENX Association portal. 2. Define scope: Determine Assessment Level, protection requirements, sites to be assessed. 3. Select audit provider: Choose from list of ENX-accredited providers, request quotes, and select based on price, availability, experience. 4. Schedule assessment: Coordinate dates with audit provider (typically requires 4-8 weeks lead time). 5. Conduct audit: On-site assessment with document review, interviews, control verification (1-3 days depending on scope and organization size). 6. Receive results: Audit provider delivers report with maturity scores for each control area. Results automatically published to ENX portal for OEM access. Cost: Audit fees paid directly to provider (typically €5,000-€15,000+ depending on Assessment Level, scope, organization size). Glocert can assist with provider selection and audit coordination but cannot conduct formal TISAX audit (must be accredited provider).
Glocert provides comprehensive TISAX preparation services: Readiness assessment evaluating current state against VDA ISA requirements with detailed gap analysis; Assessment Level scoping determining appropriate AL and protection needs; VDA ISA implementation addressing information security, prototype protection, and data protection controls; Documentation preparation developing policies, procedures, and evidence; Staff training on TISAX requirements and audit process; Mock audits simulating assessment to identify weaknesses; Audit preparation organizing evidence and preparing team; Audit coordination interfacing with ENX-accredited provider; Remediation support addressing findings and improving maturity; Ongoing compliance maintaining readiness between assessments. Our team brings automotive industry expertise including experience with VDA ISA catalog and TISAX process, automotive information security and prototype protection, ISO 27001 alignment and automotive-specific additions, ENX portal and assessment mechanics, and relationships with accredited audit providers. We've helped automotive suppliers across tiers achieve TISAX compliance from small specialized suppliers to large multi-site tier-1 suppliers, preparing them for successful assessment and OEM acceptance.
Why Choose Glocert for TISAX?
Automotive Industry Expertise
Glocert International specializes in automotive information security and TISAX compliance, bringing deep expertise in VDA ISA catalog and assessment requirements, automotive supply chain security challenges, prototype protection and physical security for automotive IP, connected vehicle data protection and privacy, automotive OEM requirements and expectations, and ENX portal mechanics and result sharing. We understand both technical security requirements and automotive industry business context helping suppliers navigate TISAX efficiently while building genuine security capabilities.
Proven TISAX Implementation
We've successfully prepared multiple automotive suppliers for TISAX assessments across Assessment Levels and scopes. Our practical experience includes AL2 and AL3 preparation, information security and prototype protection scopes, single-site and multi-site assessments, tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 supplier contexts, and various automotive activities (development, manufacturing, logistics, aftermarket). Our track record demonstrates ability to prepare organizations for successful TISAX assessment achieving target maturity levels and meeting OEM requirements.
Efficient Compliance Approach
We help organizations achieve TISAX compliance efficiently through leveraging existing ISO 27001 implementations where applicable, focusing on automotive-specific gaps and prototype protection additions, practical implementations appropriate to organization size and risk, phased approach delivering quick wins and progressive maturity, and coordination with formal audit provider ensuring smooth assessment process. Our goal is cost-effective, sustainable compliance meeting OEM requirements without unnecessary overhead or gold-plating.
Related Services
Automotive suppliers often need complementary services. Glocert International also provides ISO 27001 certification (foundation for TISAX), IATF 16949 quality management integration (coordinating information security with automotive quality), automotive cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434 for vehicle cybersecurity), UNECE WP.29 compliance (cybersecurity and software update regulations), and penetration testing for automotive systems. We coordinate multiple engagements for comprehensive automotive compliance addressing TISAX alongside other industry requirements.
Secure Your Automotive Future
Contact us today to learn more about our TISAX compliance services and how we can help you meet automotive OEM requirements.
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