Cybersecurity is playing an increasingly crucial role in the automotive industry, which is made up of a large number of players, all of whom share sensitive information (especially with so-called OEMs).
To meet these new challenges, the industry has developed specific standards to guarantee the security of exchanged information. Among these, the TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) label stands out as an essential standard.
This article introduces TISAX, explaining what it is and why it is essential for companies in the automotive sector.
We'll look at its benefits, its specific requirements, and how it enables companies to strengthen their security while promoting trust between partners.
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an information security framework specific to the automotive industry.
Created by the ENX (European Network Exchange) association, with the support of the VDA (German Automotive Industry Association), this label was set up to meet the growing need to protect sensitive data.
First launched in 2017, its main aim is to ensure that all partner companies comply with high security standards, minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and data leaks.
Based on an information security management system similar to ISO 27001, TISAX® is tailored to the requirements of the automotive industry.
The assessment process
The process begins with a self-assessment, during which the company analyzes its compliance with the standard's requirements and identifies potential improvements. It then undergoes an audit by an accredited organization, which assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of the safety measures in place.
Once certified, it is valid for three years. Unlike the ISO 27001 certification cycle, there are no surveillance audits during the three-year period. Nevertheless, as TISAX implies the implementation and maintenance of an ISMS, it is expected that compliance with TISAX requirements will be regularly verified, at least once a year.
Firstly, by ensuring compliance with the stringent information security requirements imposed by customers and partners, companies can maintain strong, reliable business relationships.
By adopting TISAX standards, a company demonstrates its commitment to data protection. This reinforces its competitiveness in the marketplace. Attracting new customers concerned about information security becomes possible. It also strengthens the confidence of existing partners. Last but not least, it creates a distinct competitive advantage, and makes it possible to work with certain companies in the automotive sector that require it.
The proximity of the ISO 27 001 standard facilitates the eventual transition from ISO 27001 to TISAX or from TISAX to ISO 27001.
TISAX encourages the continuous improvement of internal information security processes, providing a structured framework that helps companies identify inefficiencies and implement optimal security practices.
This reinforcement of processes increases the robustness of information systems and reduces the risk of security incidents.
By adopting a common standard for information security assessments, companies avoid redundant audits. These are often costly and time-consuming. This reduces the cost of the audits themselves. It also reduces the cost of managing security incidents. These incidents can occur as a result of gaps in non-harmonized security practices.
In this way, TISAX promotes economies of scale and greater efficiency in information security management.
The automotive sector is a very high value-added economy, based on the sharing of confidential information between several partners. Protecting the information system is therefore imperative.
TISAX evaluations focus on three main aspects:
In addition, TISAX uses the ENX platform, a secure network, to facilitate transparent and secure sharing of assessment results between certified entities.
This approach ensures that all players in the automotive sector adhere to high security standards, which are essential for protecting innovations and strategic information.
There are 3 levels of assessment:
The evaluation level is required by the partner who wants you to be TISAX-labeled.
This self-assessment is based on the VDA's Information Security Assessment (ISA) framework, and ensures that all security processes and policies are well documented and implemented.
This enables a company to diagnose its current information security capabilities.
Secondly, the choice of an audit provider is crucial; it's important to select a partner accredited by theENX Association.
Selection criteria must include industry-specific expertise, references, geographical proximity, and costs. This structured approach ensures optimum preparation for the TISAX audit, and increases the chances of obtaining the label.
Certification begins with an initial audit, during which the company assesses its compliance with the requirements of the standard.
It's essential to prepare thoroughly, taking into account all the requirements of the ISA standard corresponding to your customer's request.
Following this audit, any discrepancies identified must be corrected by means of corrective actions.
These actions are priorities for obtaining the label, and must be rigorously documented and monitored to guarantee their effectiveness.
If only minor deviations have been identified, then you have 9 months to correct all deviations. During this time, you'll have a "temporary" label.
Implementing TISAX offers significant benefits, including improved protection of sensitive data, increased competitive advantage and greater trust between business partners.
See our TISAX reference page for more details.
In terms of outlook, the evolution of TISAX could incorporate adaptations to new technological threats and respond to changing international regulations, ensuring that the label remains at the cutting edge of information security. These developments will continue to shape standards in the automotive and cybersecurity industries.
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