Automotive data has tranformed from just an internal business intel to a goldmine. From prototype designs and R&D blueprints to customer profiles and vehicle telematics, this information holds immense value for manufacturers and cybercriminals.
In recent years, several high-profile breaches in the automotive sector have highlighted the vulnerability of this data if not protected. In 2024 alone, the automotive and smart mobility sectors experienced 409 new cybersecurity incidents, up from 295 in 2023.[1] Data and privacy-related incidents accounted for 60% of the cases, marking a 20% increase from the previous year.[2]
As vehicles become more software-driven and autonomous, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are raising their expectations for information security across the supply chain. It is no longer enough for suppliers to deliver quality components; they must also demonstrate their ability to secure sensitive data.
To address this shift, the industry needed a security standard tailored to its unique demands. Enter TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange).
What is the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX )?
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange, is a compliance framework specifically designed for the automotive industry. Developed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), TISAX aims to streamline and standardize information security assessments across the supply chain, ensuring a uniform level of security and trust across all players, from OEMs to suppliers.
Why was TISAX created and what is its purpose?
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) was developed to solve a very specific challenge in the automotive industry: ensuring information security across a highly interconnected and data-sensitive supply chain.
As vehicles became smarter, more connected, and reliant on sensitive data—from prototype designs to telematics—traditional, broad frameworks like ISO 27001 started falling short. While ISO 27001 remains a respected global standard, it wasn’t designed to address industry-specific concerns like secure prototype handling, embedded system development, or the sheer volume of third-party data exchange seen in the automotive sector.
TISAX was created to fill this gap. Built on the foundation of ISO 27001, it adds automotive-specific controls, maturity levels, and a unified audit-sharing model that makes trust-building faster and more reliable. Instead of suppliers and OEMs conducting separate audits for every partnership, TISAX enables a single, standardized assessment that is recognized and accepted across the entire network.
In short, TISAX exists to simplify compliance, reduce redundant audits, and strengthen the collective security posture of the automotive ecosystem, making it not just efficient, but essential.
History and evolution of TISAX
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) was established in 2017 by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in collaboration with the ENX Association. The initiative aimed to address the growing need for standardized information security assessments within the automotive sector.
Prior to TISAX, companies often relied on generic frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001, which, while comprehensive, did not fully cater to the specific requirements of the automotive industry. TISAX was developed to fill this gap, providing a tailored approach that focuses on critical areas such as prototype protection, data privacy, and secure information exchange among supply chain partners.
Over the years, TISAX has undergone several updates to stay aligned with evolving cybersecurity threats and regulatory changes.
The most recent update, VDA ISA Version 6.0, was released in October 2023, introducing enhancements to address emerging cybersecurity challenges and improve the framework’s effectiveness.
Why TISAX matters today?
TISAX compliance is a matter today for maintaining data security. Automotive companies rely heavily on data such as vehicle prototypes and sensitive customer information. And as cyber threats evolve and become more sophisticated every passing day, the chances of data breach also increases. Let’s understand in more detail:
1. Critical data exchange requires TISAX compliance
Major players in the automotive industry, such as Volkswagen (VW), BMW, Daimler, and others, mandate TISAX certification for their suppliers before sharing any proprietary information or test data. This ensures that all parties involved in the supply chain undergo stringent security standards, which minimize the risk of data breaches.
2. Mandatory for suppliers to major OEMs
OEMs don’t just recommend TISAX compliance, they require it. For suppliers who wish to do business with automotive giants, TISAX certification is now a prerequisite. This requirement strengthens the security across the entire value chain, ensuring that the flow of data from one manufacturer to another remains secure and confidential.
3. Building trust in the supply chain
TISAX isn’t just about compliance; it’s also about trust. By adhering to TISAX’s strict information security requirements, suppliers and partners demonstrate that they have necessary security measures in place. This builds confidence among all stakeholders and ensures that data is handled securely.
4. Demonstrating security maturity
TISAX helps companies showcase their information security maturity to current and potential partners. Achieving TISAX certification demonstrates a manufacturer’s and supplier’s commitment to continuous improvement in their cybersecurity practices.
Adhering to TISAX compliance is a key indicator for businesses who aim to build long-term partnerships and contracts with top OEMs. It also proves a business’s ability to handle sensitive information responsibly.
5. Minimizing risks
Intellectual property (IP) theft and data leaks have become common and TISAX compliance acts as a safeguard to this. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive automotive data, reducing the chances of IP theft, leaks, and other cybersecurity incidents. TISAX also helps companies mitigate risks related to non-compliance with industry regulations, preventing potential penalties and reputational damage.
6. Streamlining assessments
One of the biggest advantages of TISAX compliance is the reduction in assessment duplication. Here companies can undergo a single TISAX audit and share the results with all of their partners (one audit, many partners). This saves time and resources, builds collaboration, and ensures consistent security practices across the supply chain.
How to achieve TISAX compliance?
Achieving TISAX compliance might sound complex at first, but the process is pretty simple. You must know that TISAX is designed to help organizations prove that they take information security seriously and to assure automotive clients that their data is safe and secure.
Let’s understand the process of achieving TISAX in detail:
1. Understand the TISAX framework
TISAX is built on the principles of ISO/IEC 27001, but it is tailored specifically for the automotive industry. The TISAX framework is maintained by the ENX Association, which also oversees the entire assessment process.
In short: TISAX focuses on areas such as data protection, prototype handling, and secure connections with business partners.
2. Conduct an internal gap analysis
Before bringing in an external auditor, perform a self-assessment to see where your current security practices stand. Identify what you already have in place and what needs to be improved to meet TISAX requirements.
Pro tip: Think of this step as a health check for your organization’s security posture. You’re looking for gaps and not perfection, yet.
3. Define your TISAX assessment levels
TISAX assessments need to be precisely defined, to:
- What part of your organization will be assessed? It can either be a single site or multiple sites.
- What objectives are you targeting? These may include data protection, prototype protection and or any other. .
- Which TISAX assessment level applies? This depends on the sensitivity of data you handle. There are three assessment levels:
- Level 1: Self-assessment (basic).
- Level 2: Third-party audit with a remote review (for moderate sensitivity).
- Level 3: Third-party audit with an on-site inspection (for highly sensitive data).
4. Choose a TISAX audit provider
TISAX assessments must be conducted by a TISAX-approved audit provider. These are known as “TISAX audit providers” or “assessment providers” and are authorized by ENX. Once you select one, you will sign a contract to begin the formal audit process.
| Note: You can find the list of approved providers on the official ENX website. |
5. Prepare for the audit
Once the scope is clear and an audit provider is chosen, you will need to document your policies, processes, and controls. Common areas you must include are:
- Information security policies
- Physical access controls
- Data classification and encryption
- Secure development and testing environments
- Employee awareness and training
Pro tip: Make sure your documentation is complete, up to date, and aligned with TISAX requirements.
6. Undergo the TISAX audit
The auditor will evaluate your organization based on the assessment level you’ve selected. If you’re at Level 2 or 3, this will include interviews, documentation reviews, and potentially site inspections. The audit results in a report and a maturity score for each requirement area.
7. Receive your TISAX labels
Once the assessment is completed and approved, you’ll receive TISAX labels. These are digital certifications that reflect your organization’s security capabilities. You can choose which partners get access to these labels via the TISAX online portal. These labels are valid for three years, after which a renewal process is required.
8. Share your results with partners
One of the main benefits of TISAX is that you can share your audit results with multiple OEMs or partners. This eliminates the need to go through repeated assessments and saves you time, cost, and builds trust across the supply chain.
Key regulations and standards of TISAX Compliance
TISAX compliance consists of a set of core regulations designed to ensure that all stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, or service providers, adhere to strict data security protocols.
These rules are all designed to protect automotive data from cyber threats, ensuring that organizations also strengthen their trustworthiness in the eyes of customers and partners.
Some of the key regulations include:
1. Data protection: This includes compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and other data protection laws, ensuring that personal and sensitive data is handled securely and with integrity.
2. Access control: TISAX emphasizes strict access management. Only authorized individuals are permitted to access sensitive data, which is enforced through the use of secure authentication methods, role-based access controls, and rigorous monitoring.
3. Incident management: TISAX requires a well-documented approach to incident management, ensuring that security breaches or threats are quickly identified, managed, and reported in a controlled manner. Companies must maintain clear processes for addressing vulnerabilities and taking corrective actions.
4. Prototype protection: Given the high value of prototype designs and intellectual property in the automotive sector, TISAX has stringent requirements around protecting these assets, ensuring that proprietary information is not compromised during design, testing, or production.
5. Continuous monitoring and auditing: TISAX mandates ongoing security monitoring to detect vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards. Regular internal audits and third-party assessments are required to maintain certification, guaranteeing that security measures remain effective over time.
6. Physical security: TISAX also places a strong focus on physical security to prevent unauthorized access to facilities where sensitive data or prototype information is stored. This includes everything from surveillance to restricted access to high-risk areas.
7. Security of communication: The framework insists on securing communication channels, especially when transmitting sensitive information between manufacturers, suppliers, and partners, ensuring encryption and secure data transfer protocols.
Who needs to comply with TISAX?
TISAX compliance is mandatory for any entity involved in the automotive sector that handles sensitive data, from OEMs and suppliers to service providers and technology firms.
A. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
Why they need to comply: OEMs, such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Daimler, play a central role in the automotive industry, handling vast amounts of confidential data, including vehicle prototypes, design specifications, and customer information. Ensuring that their suppliers meet strict security standards is critical for protecting this data from cyber threats.
Consequences of non-compliance: Failure to comply with TISAX could lead to data breaches, loss of trust, and regulatory penalties. For OEMs, non-compliance may also result in losing the ability to do business with key suppliers and partners who require TISAX certification before sharing critical data.
B. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Suppliers
Why they need to comply: Suppliers who provide components or services to OEMs need to meet TISAX standards because they handle sensitive data related to vehicle designs, manufacturing processes, and proprietary technologies. For these suppliers, compliance demonstrates a commitment to data security, making them trustworthy partners in the supply chain.
Consequences of non-compliance: Suppliers who fail to comply with TISAX risk losing contracts with major OEMs, who require TISAX certification as a prerequisite for doing business. Additionally, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the supply chain could lead to data leaks or intellectual property theft, severely damaging the supplier’s reputation and business relationships.
C. Third-party service providers
Why they need to comply: Service providers, such as IT vendors, consultants, and logistics companies, often have access to sensitive data that flows between OEMs and their suppliers. Since these third parties can become potential targets for cyberattacks, they need to comply with TISAX to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data they handle.
Consequences of non-compliance: Non-compliance can lead to a breach of contractual obligations with OEMs and suppliers. It may also result in data security incidents, which could have serious legal and financial repercussions, including loss of business contracts and reputational damage.
C. Technology providers and software developers
Why they need to comply: Companies developing software or technology solutions such as connected vehicle technology, autonomous driving systems, and telematics are responsible for ensuring that their products meet the security requirements set by TISAX. These providers handle highly sensitive data, such as vehicle diagnostics and customer usage patterns, which must be protected from breaches.
Consequences of non-compliance: Technology providers who fail to comply may face security vulnerabilities in their products, leading to data leaks or system hacks. This compromises the integrity of their solutions and also jeopardizes their relationships with OEMs and customers, risking contractual penalties, lawsuits, and loss of future business.
D. Subcontractors and other supply chain partners
Why they need to comply: Companies in the automotive supply chain that are involved in manufacturing, testing, and transporting components need to ensure that their security practices align with TISAX standards. These businesses often handle valuable, proprietary data and play a crucial role in protecting it as it moves through the supply chain.
Consequences of non-compliance: Non-compliance could result in contract termination, inability to work with major automotive manufacturers, and potential exposure to cybersecurity threats. The cost of a data breach or non-compliance fines could also be significant, damaging a subcontractor’s financial standing and business reputation.
Benefits of achieving TISAX compliance
TISAX compliance is more than a checklist item—it’s a competitive advantage. While it strengthens your security posture, it also improves how your organization is perceived by automotive partners, enhances operational efficiency, and opens up new business opportunities. Here’s how:
1. Preferred status with automotive manufacturers
Many leading carmakers and Tier 1 suppliers now require TISAX compliance from their vendors. Earning the TISAX label positions your company as a trusted and secure partner. This increases your chances of winning contracts, joining preferred supplier lists, and maintaining long-term relationships in a security-conscious market.
2. Stronger information security practices
TISAX is based on ISO 27001 but adds layers of protection specific to the automotive sector, like secure handling of prototypes and GDPR-aligned data controls. By aligning with these standards, your organization reduces the risk of breaches, safeguards intellectual property, and demonstrates maturity in managing information security. This leads to better internal processes, fewer disruptions, and greater resilience against cyber threats.
3. Faster onboarding and simplified assessments
With TISAX, you complete one standardized assessment and can securely share your results with multiple customers through the ENX portal. This reduces redundant audits, speeds up procurement cycles, and lowers compliance fatigue across the supply chain.
4. Increased trust and business transparency
TISAX compliance communicates that your organization meets high standards for data protection and risk management. It gives clients confidence that you’re serious about security. Being able to selectively share audit results builds credibility and strengthens trust—especially when sensitive R&D or customer data is involved.
5. Competitive differentiation and long-term growth
In a crowded supplier landscape, TISAX sets you apart. It’s not just about meeting current requirements; it shows that your company is future-ready and committed to continuous improvement. That’s a strong signal to partners, investors, and OEMs looking for sustainable, secure partnerships.
To sum it up: TISAX is your license to operate in the automotive industry
As vehicles become more autonomous, connected, and data-centric, the lines between technology and transportation continue to blur. In this environment, information security becomes a frontline business imperative.
TISAX also acts as a trust signal. Whether you’re an OEM protecting proprietary prototypes or a Tier 2 supplier managing test data. Demonstrating TISAX compliance means proving your security posture is mature, transparent, and aligned with industry expectations.
With global automotive giants requiring TISAX certification as a prerequisite for collaboration, non-compliance may lead to potential business dead ends. On the other hand, achieving TISAX compliance will streamline vendor assessments, build trust across the supply chain, and protect your organization from cyber threats.
In an industry where reputation, innovation, and data integrity go hand-in-hand, TISAX compliance isn’t just about passing an audit, it is about staying in the game.
Reference:
1 & 2. AutoConnectedCar
FAQs
1. What is the difference between ISO 27001 and TISAX?
ISO 27001 is a global standard for managing information security across all industries. TISAX is based on ISO 27001 but is tailored for the automotive sector. It includes extra requirements like prototype protection and GDPR compliance, making it more relevant for suppliers working with car manufacturers.
2. Who does TISAX apply to?
TISAX applies to companies that handle sensitive data for automotive manufacturers, like suppliers, IT vendors, logistics partners, and design agencies. If your business works with or wants to work with European car brands, TISAX compliance is often mandatory.
3. What is the TISAX standard?
TISAX is an industry-specific assessment model that helps automotive suppliers prove they follow strong information security and data protection practices. Based on the VDA ISA framework, TISAX results are shared on a central platform instead of issuing certificates, making it easier for automakers to verify compliance.
