TISAX is a standardized framework developed by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and operated by ENX. It ensures that companies handling sensitive automotive data meet uniform information security standards. Based on the VDA Information Security Assessment (ISA) and aligned with ISO/IEC 27001, TISAX covers key security topics including:

• Confidentiality and integrity of data

• Protection of prototypes and intellectual property

• GDPR-aligned data privacy

• Secure communication with third parties

It includes a third-party audit that results in a TISAX label, which is recognized across the automotive supply chain.

TISAX is often required by automotive manufacturers and major suppliers to ensure consistent security practices across their vendor network. Without a valid TISAX label, businesses may be disqualified from new contracts or lose existing ones. Other reasons why TISAX is critical:

• Demonstrates trust and security to partners and customers

• Reduces duplicate assessments across different clients

• Aligns with global information security best practices

• Enhances internal security posture and risk management

• Supports regulatory compliance, especially for GDPR and intellectual property protection

TISAX is not just a compliance checkbox—it’s a competitive advantage in the automotive industry.

A TISAX scoping assessment defines the boundary of what will be evaluated during the audit. This includes:

• Business units involved in handling sensitive data

• Physical locations where services are delivered

• Types of information processed (e.g., prototypes, personal data)

• Relevant services like development, engineering, or data hosting

• Third parties or suppliers that access or process the data

Correct scoping avoids unnecessary complexity, reduces audit costs, and ensures only relevant parts of the business are audited.

1. Identify applicable assessment objectives

Choose based on your business function—common ones include information security, prototype protection, and data privacy.

2. Perform a gap analysis

Evaluate your current practices against the TISAX ISA requirements and document the gaps.

3. Build or update your ISMS

Ensure you have a working Information Security Management System, including risk assessments, policies, incident response, and business continuity.

4. Review physical and IT controls

Secure your office and digital infrastructure: access control, encryption, endpoint protection, and secure disposal methods.

5. Train your employees

Conduct mandatory training for all personnel within the audit scope, emphasizing security awareness and incident response.

6. Prepare documentation

Gather ISMS policies, risk logs, audit reports, training records, and third-party agreements.

7. Conduct internal audits

Check compliance internally before going for the official TISAX audit.

8. Register and select an audit provider

Submit your scope on the ENX portal and choose an accredited TISAX provider.

9. Undergo the official audit

The assessor will evaluate documentation, interview staff, and review controls onsite or remotely.

10. Address findings and close gaps

Implement corrective actions and submit proof of remediation to obtain your TISAX label.

Explore TISAX vs. ISO 27001: A comparison for the automotive industry