TISAX®: understanding everything about the automotive information security label
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about the TISAX label: how it works, its requirements and the key steps to effectively prepare for it.
In an automotive sector that has become hyperconnected (vehicles, factories, factories, supply chain, R&D), the protection of sensitive information is a business prerequisite. TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) has established itself as the reference framework for demonstrating to its clients a homogeneous and verifiable level of security. Managed byENX Association, TISAX is a evaluation and exchange mechanism of results between partners, designed to avoid duplicate audits and to streamline collaboration.
What is TISAX?
The TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) Is a information security label specially designed for the automotive sector. It was developed by theENX Association, in collaboration with the VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie), to meet the growing needs to protect sensitive data exchanged between manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and service providers.
Concretely, TISAX allows companies to demonstrate their level of safety to their partners andavoid the multiplication of audits. Once obtained, the evaluation results can be shared securely via the ENX platform, which facilitates mutual recognition between actors in the sector.
To do this, TISAX relies on the VDA ISA (Information Security Assessment) questionnaire, which incorporates the principles of the ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002 standards, while integrating requirements specific to the automotive industry: prototype protection, test management, test and test vehicle management, safety during events, etc.
To remember:
- We are talking about TISAX label, and not ISO certification in the strict sense.
- In practice, the term ”TISAX certification” is often misused, but it is more accurate to speak of a TISAX evaluation result.
Why has TISAX become a must?
- The TISAX assessment now meets the requirements of manufacturers and equipment manufacturers. The majority of OEMs (car manufacturers) and major suppliers impose it on their partners. Without this label, it becomes very difficult — even impossible — to collaborate within the automotive industry.
- The TISAX label provides a unique standardization. A single framework, results recognized by all actors and valid for three years: this approach reduces the multiplication of audits, reduces costs and simplifies compliance management.
- Obtaining a TISAX label is a guarantee of trust and a business accelerator. Proven compliance immediately reassures partners, secures the exchange of sensitive information (prototypes, test data, R&D documentation) and accelerates the onboarding of suppliers in tenders.
- The generalization of TISAX reinforces the protection of the entire supply chain. By requiring this label, contractors reduce the risks associated with cyberattacks and improve the collective resilience of the automotive ecosystem.
In addition, it should be noted that TISAX has gone beyond German borders to become a European standard, which is increasingly recognized internationally. This global distribution reinforces its status as an essential reference.
Finally, beyond compliance, TISAX constitutes a real competitive advantage: in a very competitive sector, having the label can make the difference in winning a tender against a non-labelled competitor.
After understanding why TISAX has become an essential automotive standard, let's now see what the main requirements are.
TISAX requirements
The TISAX framework is based on the questionnaire VDA ISA (Information Security Assessment), which structures security controls around thematic modules covering the main needs of the automotive sector:
- Information Security : it is the common core, directly aligned with the ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002 standards, which defines the fundamental measures for managing information security (policies, access control, incident management, physical security, etc.).
- Data Protection : this module integrates specific requirements for the processing of personal data, in particular in connection with the RGPD (article 28 on subcontractors).
- Prototype Protection : it concerns the protection of sensitive elements related to automotive R&D, such as parts, test vehicles or events presenting prototypes, where confidentiality is a major issue.
These modules are available in evaluation objectives (or TISAX labels) that each organization selects according to its role and obligations. ENX defines a dozen of them, covering for example the protection of information with a high or very high need for security, the protection of prototypes and test vehicles, or even data protection requirements.
The choice of these objectives has a direct impact on the type of audit to be conducted: some areas will be content with a self-assessment, while others, more sensitive (prototype protection, confidential R&D), will require a complete on-site audit (AL3).
For decision makers and security managers, this means that TISAX is not a generic approach : it is a flexible framework, which adapts to the level of criticality of your activity. For example, a design office handling confidential design data will have to aim for demanding confidentiality objectives, while an IT provider managing a support solution will have to demonstrate its compliance mainly on access management and the protection of personal data.
In summary: the strength of TISAX® is to offer a proportionate assessment grid which allows each player in the automotive supply chain — whether manufacturer, equipment manufacturer, supplier or service provider — to prove their reliability in terms of information security, while avoiding redundant and expensive audits.
To better understand how the TISAX® requirements apply in practice, here is an overview of the three main modules, the objectives they cover, and the types of actors involved.
Module: Information Security
Main objective: Implementation of fundamental security measures (policies, access, logging, incident management, physical security, etc.)
Actors concerned: All actors in the supply chain (manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, IT service providers, subcontractors)
Module: Data Protection
Main objective: GDPR compliance (art. 28 requirements for subcontractors, secure processing of personal data)
Actors concerned: IT providers, outsourced HR services, data processing companies
Module: Prototype Protection
Main objective: Protection of prototypes, test vehicles, sensitive parts, security of events where confidential models are presented
Actors concerned: Design offices, R&D centers, industrial sites, event agencies, logistics providers
As we can see, each module targets specific challenges and concerns different actors in the automotive supply chain. It remains to understand how these objectives are evaluated in practice, through the TISAX assessment levels.
TISAX assessment levels (AL1, AL2, AL3)
The TISAX process distinguishes three assessment levels, called Assessment Levels (AL). This choice depends on level of sensitivity of the information handled And requirements imposed by customers. The higher the risk, the more stringent the expected level of assessment will be.
- AL1 — Self-assessment : reserved for cases where the need for protection is limited. The company completes the VDA ISA questionnaire itself and performs a self-assessment of its security practices. This approach is above all a Internal exercise and does not lead to a label that can be used in a customer relationship.
- AL2 — Third-party remote review : for moderate protection needs. In this case, a third-party auditor accredited by ENX checks the plausibility of the self-assessment, usually remotely. This review may include additional interviews with security managers. In some cases, this step is called AL2.5, when it combines self-assessment and more extensive verifications without requiring a trip to the site.
- AL3 — On-site audit : required when the expected level of protection is high or very high (for example for the management of prototypes or confidential R&D data). The auditor then performs a thorough check directly within the company, by reviewing the implementation of controls, conducting detailed interviews, and observing operational practices. It is the most demanding assessment, but also the most recognized by manufacturers and equipment manufacturers.
In practice, the level of evaluation to be aimed at is not freely chosen by the company: it is generally imposed by the contractors (manufacturers or major suppliers), depending on the type of data shared and the criticality of the project. For example, an IT service provider may be asked for an AL2, while an R&D center handling prototypes should aim for an AL3.
The process to obtain a TISAX label
Obtaining a TISAX label follows a structured process, designed to be both rigorous and recognized by the entire automotive industry. Here are the main steps:
- Registration on the ENX platform
The company starts by registering on the official ENX portal and defines the scope of its assessment: entities concerned, sites to be audited, processes covered. It is also at this stage that the evaluation objectives (labels) to be aimed at are chosen, according to customer requirements (e.g. prototype protection, high level of confidentiality, RGPD). - Self-assessment with the VDA ISA questionnaire
The organization completes the VDA ISA framework and carries out a gap analysis to identify its strengths and differences. This stage makes it possible to prepare a corrective action plan and to gather the first evidence (policies, procedures, records). - Audit by an ENX accredited provider
Depending on the objectives chosen and the level of protection expected, the evaluation will take the form of:
- Of a remote third party review (AL2),
- Or of a comprehensive on-site audit (AL3).
The auditor then reviews the evidence, interviews the teams, and verifies the implementation of security controls.
- Of a remote third party review (AL2),
- Reporting and remediation
At the end of the audit, a detailed report is submitted to the company. If discrepancies are identified, a remediation plan should be put in place. In some cases, a temporary label may be granted for a maximum of 9 months, time to correct identified non-conformities. - Publishing and sharing results
Once validated, the result of the evaluation takes the form of a TISAX label registered on the ENX platform. The company maintains total control over the dissemination of its results: it chooses which partners or customers can access them. - 3-year cycle and re-evaluation
A TISAX label is valid Three years. At the end of the term, a new comprehensive assessment must be conducted to maintain recognition. This cycle logic ensures continuous compliance and adapts to changing threats and industry requirements.
TISAX vs ISO 27001: what are the differences?
Although similar in their logic, TISAX and ISO 27001 do not pursue exactly the same goals. The table below highlights their main differences.
Appearance: Nature
ISO/IEC 27001: Certification Of a SMSI (ISMS)
FABRIC: Assessment based on VDA ISA resulting in a Label shareable
Sector
ISO/IEC 27001: All sectors
FABRIC: Automobile (manufacturers, suppliers, service providers)
Normative basis
ISO/IEC 27001: ISO/IEC 27001 + Annex A (27002)
FABRIC: ISO 27001/27002 aligned, additional requirements (prototype, tests, events, data protection)
Results
ISO/IEC 27001: Certificate issued by a certifying body
TISAX: TISAX label (s) publicated/shared via ENX
Mutualization
SO/IEC 27001:
FABRIC: Mutual recognition results between partners
In summary, TISAX can be seen as a sectoral variation of ISO 27001: it takes its foundations again, but adds automotive requirements and a mechanism for exchanging results that facilitates collaboration and reduces the audit burden.
How can you effectively prepare for TISAX?
Preparing for a TISAX assessment cannot be improvised: it requires a structured approach, which combines methodology and team mobilization. A few best practices make it possible to approach the audit in good conditions:
- Map your assets and risks : clearly identify the processes, data, prototypes, prototypes, partners, and third party accesses concerned by the TISAX® perimeter. This first step allows you to visualize where your critical points are.
- Define the scope of the assessment : determine which sites, teams, and systems will be included, as well as the Labels required by your customer contracts. An excessively broad scope complicates the audit; too narrow, it may not be sufficient to meet the requirements of contractors.
- Upgrade your controls : align your security practices with the VDA ISA framework. This includes policies, access management, logging, logging, encryption, physical site security, and vendor management.
- Documenting and proving effectiveness : beyond implementation, the TISAX® assessment is based on the ability to provide tangible evidence. Procedures, reports, technical logs, incident tickets or even indicators (KPIs) are essential to demonstrate the maturity of your controls.
- Train and raise awareness among your teams : The success of an audit does not depend solely on written processes. The employees involved — R&D, purchasing, IT/OT, project teams, event partners — must understand the challenges and adopt the right reflexes.
- Drive remediation and ongoing compliance : structure your action plans with clear deadlines and managers, in order to correct discrepancies before the audit and maintain compliance over time.
- Anticipate the audit : organize a dress rehearsal (Dry Run) with your teams. Simulate interviews, prepare documents, and check the consistency of your evidence. This allows you to approach your cybersecurity audit in the best conditions. For an AL2, the review may be remote, but an AL3 involves site visits where preparation is decisive.
In summary, preparing for TISAX means combining documentary rigor, operational efficiency and human involvement. It is this triptych that will make the difference on the day of the audit.
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TISAX FAQ
Is TISAX mandatory?
Legally, no; contractually, yes in most relationships with OEMs/major equipment manufacturers. TISAX has become a business prerequisite for working in the European automotive industry.
Who issues the TISAX label?
ENX accredited audit providers carry out the assessment; the label is managed/exchanged via the ENX platform.
What is the validity period?
3 years for a final label; in case of non-conformities, temporary label (up to 9 months) during the remediation.
What are the typical steps and timelines?
ENX registration → self-assessment → AL2/AL3 audit → remediation → publication/sharing → maintenance (3 years). The deadlines vary according to the scope and the initial maturity (count several weeks to a few months).
Do you need TISAX and ISO 27001 both?
ISO 27001 remains the universal reference for the WSIS; TISAX is the sectoral version with specific requirements and the sharing of results between partners via ENX. A lot of actors combine the two.
Is TISAX a certification?
Officially, no. We talk about the TISAX label, which corresponds to the result of an evaluation carried out by an audit provider accredited by the ENX Association. Unlike an ISO certification (e.g. ISO 27001), it is not a certificate issued by an accredited certification body, but a result recognized and shared via the ENX platform.
In everyday language, many companies nevertheless speak of “TISAX certification”, but it is more accurate to say “TISAX label”.
How long does a TISAX label last?
The evaluation result (label) is valid for 3 years. In the event of discrepancies to be closed, temporary labels can be issued for up to 9 months for the duration of the remediation, then converted into a final label once the non-conformities have been resolved.
Note: TISAX is a registered trademark of the ENX Association.
