TISAX vs. ISO 27001: Similarities, Differences, Mappings & Streamlining

TISAX and ISO 27001 are both data security certifications, but they have different purposes. TISAX applies to the German auto industry and its suppliers. ISO is a global certification for any company. TISAX stands for Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange, and ISO is the International Standards Association.

Key Takeaways:

TISAX focuses on protecting intellectual property for the automotive industry, while ISO 27001 applies to all industries for general information security management.
TISAX is based on ISO 27001 Annex A, and the two standards are similar in controls for risk management, an Information Security Management System (ISMS), and continuous improvement. TISAX includes additional controls for prototype protection and automotive supply chain security.
TISAX requires a multi-level assessment process with automotive-specific controls, whereas ISO 27001 has a single certification level focused on general data protection.
An organization can potentially save 20-30 percent of costs by pursuing both certifications together, leveraging overlapping controls and aligning audit processes.

Differences between TISAX and ISO 27001

There are several key differences between TISAX and ISO 27001, especially when it comes to scope. This is largely due to the specific focus of TISAX on the automotive industry. Let’s take a look at these differences now:

Industry-specific focus

TISAX is specifically designed for the automotive industry and focuses on securing the manufacturers’ data throughout the supply chain. On the other hand, ISO 27001 specifies how a company can protect its own data or data entrusted to it and is applicable to any type of organization, regardless of industry.

Assessment approach

TISAX assessments are conducted by qualified TISAX assessors contracted by the ENX Association, which manages TISAX. Meanwhile, ISO 27001 audits are conducted by accredited certification bodies independent of ISO.

Levels of certification

TISAX uses a three-level assessment approach, while ISO 27001 has only one certification level: you either comply or you don’t. As the TISAX Participant Handbook says, TISAX assessment levels correspond to protection levels and range from 1, normal, to 3, very high. Each corresponds to the sensitivity of the data being handled.

Certification criteria

TISAX is based on ISO 27001 but also includes requirements specific to the automotive industry, such as physical security, incident management, business continuity, and access control, while ISO 27001 is a more general framework that covers a broad range of information security topics.

How TISAX overlaps with ISO 27001

TISAX overlaps with ISO 27001 in controls for risk management, ISMS, confidentiality, certification length, and continuous improvement.

General summary of how TISAX and ISO 27001 overlap


Risk-based approach	Both standards are based on risk assessment and management. ISO 27001 incorporates a formal assessment and TISAX includes automotive-focused risk controls.
Common controls	TISAX is based on ISO 27001:2022 Annex A and includes common controls.
Continuous improvement	ISO 27001 promotes continuous improvement through regular audits and PDCA cycle. TISAX through regular reassessment to ensure a strong security posture and ascertain a system’s maturity level.
CIA	Data confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility are essential elements for ISMS governed by either standard.
Third-party and supplier risk management	Both standards emphasize secure data sharing in supply chains and partner relationships.
Documentation and record keeping	Both frameworks require detailed documentation of information security policies, procedures, and practices.
Audit requirements	TISAX and ISO 27001 require regular audits.
Certification validity	Both certifications are valid for three years.
Requirements	- TISAX and ISO 27001 require companies to stand up and regularly review an information security management system (ISMS). - Both standards emphasize the importance of access control measures. - The standards prioritize incident management processes to manage and mitigate security threats and events.

Conclusion

TISAX is crucial for organizations in the automotive sector seeking to ensure robust information security management within their supply chain. ISO 27001, while broader in application, remains vital for all sectors aiming to establish comprehensive data protection protocols. Organizations dealing with both sectors are advised to consider obtaining certifications from both standards to streamline their compliance and enhance data security effectively.