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.
  
  A critical reason for the TISAX standard is the need to protect intellectual property throughout the automotive supply chain. As the 2021 research paper TISAX – optimization of IT risk management in the automotive industry explains, car makers must share design details with partners and vendors. However, sharing leaves companies vulnerable.
  
  “Corporate espionage and data theft are not new to the automobile industry,” the authors state. “The developing digital technology makes it much easier to appropriate huge amounts of information and increases risk to which companies are exposed.”
  
  TISAX outlines prototype protection controls not specified in ISO 27001, such as the following:
  • Customer separation and protection against unauthorized access
  • Secure storage and handling of documents, parts, and vehicles
  • Provisions for the camouflage and security of test vehicles during test drives on public roads
  • Security of models used in photoshoots and other marketing projects
    
    
• 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. The higher the assessment level, the greater the assessment complexity.
  • TISAX Level 1: This is suitable for suppliers who handle only non-sensitive information or for organizations initiating the certification process. Organizations at this level must demonstrate basic security capabilities, such as access control, secure data storage, and password management. Level 1 involves a self-assessment, which provides a baseline and reveals opportunities to address any non-conformities.
  • TISAX Level 2: This is for suppliers who handle moderately sensitive information, such as personal and confidential data. A Level 2 assessment builds on Level 1 and looks for data classification, encryption, and protection systems. Audit work usually includes a plausibility check on your self-assessment and documentation and is conducted remotely.
  • TISAX Level 3: This is for suppliers who handle data that requires a high protection level, such as highly confidential data related to military projects and trade secrets, such as prototypes, test parts and vehicles, and even events like photo shots and test drives. Assessment Level 3 assessments build on level 1 and 2 requirements. The audits include a detailed documentation review, on-site checks, and in-person interviews of key security staff.
    
    
• 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. In other words, for ISO 27001 certification, you need only meet the requirements. Whereas for TISAX, the audit assesses and grades the maturity of your implementation, which you can define
  as the effectiveness of your Information Security Management system (ISMS) to deter and mitigate threats.
  “Vendor management guidelines also tend to be stricter with TISAX,” says Micah Spieler, Chief Product Officer at Strike Graph. “Not setting up policies to manage risk in the supply chain can be a ‘gotcha’ in assessments.”
  
  
• Certification management
  While TISAX’s requirements catalog is reviewed at least once a year by the VDA, the review cycle of an ISO standard is at least once every five years by all ISO member bodies.
  
  
• Certification process
  TISAX assessments are tailored to the organization's specific protection needs, focusing on the sensitivity of the data handled and the organization's role in the automotive supply chain. In contrast, ISO 27001 certification follows a standardized process that evaluates the organization’s ISMS within its defined scope, which the organization determines. While ISO 27001 audits are comprehensive but scoped, TISAX requires mandatory assessments for Levels 2 and 3, with the audit scope directly shaped by the required protection measures specific to the automotive industry. As the TISAX Handbook says, “Every part of your organization that handles your partner’s confidential information is part of the assessment scope.”