What is TISAX?

TISAX compliance requirements

TISAX compliance is based on the VDA Information Security Assessment (ISA) catalogue, which outlines the necessary security measures and controls. Key requirements include:

• Information security management: Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive management system to oversee all aspects of information security, including policy development, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Access control: Implementing strict controls and protocols to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive automotive data, based on the principles of least privilege and need-to-know.
• Data protection: Safeguarding personal and operational data against unauthorized access, theft, or leakage, with a particular focus on protecting vehicle user data and proprietary automotive technology.
• Third-party management: Ensuring that all third parties involved in the supply chain, such as suppliers, contractors, and service providers, adhere to the same security standards when handling or accessing sensitive information.
• Incident management: Developing and implementing clear and effective processes for detecting, responding to, and mitigating information security incidents, minimizing their impact and preventing future occurrences.

Planning for TISAX compliance

Achieving TISAX compliance requires strategic planning and a comprehensive approach to align security practices with the standard's requirements. Key planning activities include:

• Risk assessment: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities within the organization's information security systems, focusing on areas critical to the automotive industry.
• Resource allocation: Determine and allocate the necessary resources, including budget, personnel, and technology, to support the TISAX compliance efforts effectively.
• Timeline development: Establish a realistic timeline for achieving compliance, with clearly defined milestones such as completion of initial risk assessments, policy development, employee training, and the final assessment.
• Stakeholder engagement: Engage with all relevant stakeholders, including IT, legal, compliance, and executive teams, to gain their support, involvement, and alignment throughout the compliance process.
• Compliance framework Setup: Based on the risk assessment and TISAX requirements, develop a compliance framework that outlines the policies, controls, and procedures necessary for meeting the standard's criteria.

Implementing TISAX compliance

Successful implementation of TISAX compliance involves a systematic approach and ongoing efforts to integrate security measures into the organization's operations. Key implementation steps include:

• Develop detailed security policies: Create specific security policies that address each requirement of the TISAX standard, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all relevant personnel.
• Systematic deployment of security measures: Roll out comprehensive security measures designed to protect both physical and digital assets, such as securing network infrastructures, implementing strong data encryption protocols, and ensuring physical security at all locations.
• Comprehensive training programs: Conduct thorough training sessions for all employees, focusing on the importance of information security, the specific practices required by TISAX, and their individual responsibilities within these frameworks.
• Regular monitoring and review: Establish a routine for regularly monitoring compliance with TISAX standards, including periodic reviews and audits of security practices and the effectiveness of the implemented measures.
• Feedback and continuous improvement: Implement a feedback mechanism to gather insights from audits and reviews and use this feedback to drive continuous improvements to security policies and practices, ensuring they remain effective against evolving threats.