TISAX Guide to Automotive Data Security
Just like engineering, data is critical in the automotive industry. From supplier communication to prototype design to connected vehicle software, keeping the data protected is crucial to preserving trust in the supply chain. To keep sensitive information protected and consistent, the automotive industry developed TISAX, a certification framework based on ISO 27001.
This guide will outline what TISAX is, why it is important, and how to achieve certification efficiently while addressing global security expectations.
What is TISAX?
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a data security standard established by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). This standard offers a standardized framework for evaluating information security assessments and exchanging them with manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers involved in the automotive ecosystem.
Unlike ISO 27001 standards, which can be broadly applied across any industry, TISAX is specifically meant for automotive organizations that manage sensitive data such as:
- Intellectual property (ex: prototype and R&D documents)
- Personal and customer data
- Supplier and OEM communication
- Connected vehicle or telematics data
This framework ensures security practices are assessed uniformly and creates a trusted network to exchange confirmed results between partner organizations using the ENX Association platform.
Why TISAX matters for automotive
Modern automotive production depends on hundreds of suppliers, digital systems, and shared environments. Without a common standard, each organization would need to conduct multiple redundant audits. TISAX solves that by introducing a “once tested, recognized by all” model. Key benefits of adopting TISAX include:
Supply chain trust: demonstrate that your organization meets industry-accepted security levels.
Audit efficiency: avoid multiple, overlapping audits for different partners.
Global alignment: built on ISO 27001, enabling easy integration with existing ISMS frameworks.
Customer confidence: required by leading OEMs such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Daimler.
Competitive edge: certified companies often gain preferred supplier status in vendor evaluations.
Assessment levels
TISAX certification operates through three assessment levels based on the sensitivity of the data and the type of business relationship involved. Each level reflects the depth of testing required to verify compliance.
After completing the assessment, results are shared securely within the ENX platform for recognized validation by all authorized partners.
Certification process
Achieving TISAX certification typically follows five core steps:
Define scope and participants: identify which parts of your organization, sites, and processes are in-scope. Consider your role in the automotive supply chain (e.g., supplier, design partner, data processor).
Perform self-assessment: complete the VDA Information Security Assessment (ISA) questionnaire. This maps your security maturity against TISAX control objectives.
Select an audit provider: choose an accredited audit provider from the ENX list to perform your TISAX assessment.
Undergo the audit: provide documentation, demonstrate controls, and support the auditor’s review (on-site for Level 3).
Publish assessment result: your results are uploaded to the ENX portal and shared with your chosen partners. Certifications are typically valid for three years, after which reassessment is required.
Common challenges
Even experienced security teams face hurdles when implementing TISAX:
Scoping issues: misalignment between internal systems and what OEMs expect.
Documentation gaps: missing or inconsistent ISMS policies and evidence trails.
Complex supply chains: coordinating security alignment across multiple sites.
Limited visibility: manual processes hinder real-time compliance tracking.
Resource strain: managing audits across ISO 27001, SOC 2, and TISAX in parallel.
Platforms like Complyance help streamline these challenges by automating evidence collection, tracking audit readiness, and mapping controls across frameworks; reducing preparation time and improving accuracy.
By aligning with ISO 27001 principles and focusing on standardized, verifiable security practices, organizations can reduce audit friction, strengthen supply chain trust, and protect high-value data assets.
With Complyance, teams can automate control mapping, streamline audit workflows, and stay continuously prepared for TISAX and other global standards, turning compliance from a burden into a competitive advantage.
FAQs
How is TISAX different from ISO 27001? TISAX builds on ISO 27001 but adds sector-specific controls and standardized assessment procedures for the automotive supply chain.
How long does certification take? Typically between 3 and 6 months depending on the scope and readiness of your existing ISMS.
Who needs TISAX certification? Any company handling sensitive data for automotive OEMs or suppliers, including design, IT, logistics, and component providers.
What is the validity period of TISAX certification? Three years, with periodic internal reviews to maintain compliance.
Can TISAX be integrated with other frameworks? Yes, many companies align TISAX controls with ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and GDPR for unified compliance management.
