WHAT IS THE TISAX® STANDARD?
TISAX® aims to ensure uniform information security throughout the automotive supply chain. Its goal? To guarantee that sensitive information, including customer data and confidential project information, is protected against cyber threats.
TISAX® is based on the controls of the ISO/IEC 27001 standard (again!) but adapts them to the specificities of the automotive industry. It therefore includes aspects such as:
- the protection of vehicle prototypes;
- the confidentiality of development information.
To obtain TISAX® certification, companies undergo an assessment based on criteria that are recognized and accepted by all industry stakeholders.
3 advantages of the TISAX® standard
#1 Standardize
As we have just seen, TISAX® provides a standardized assessment recognized by all major players in the automotive sector. The result: no more multiple audits that cost time and money!
#2 Legitimize and build trust
TISAX® certification helps to improve the confidence of business partners and customers by demonstrating the organization's strong commitment to information security. In fact, it is not uncommon for large automotive companies to require their suppliers to obtain TISAX® certification.
#3 Secure (obviously)
Beyond these business considerations, implementing TISAX® helps companies strengthen their information security measures—which is, after all, its primary goal! The result: reduced risk of data leaks and (even) better protection against cyberattacks.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT IN AN ORGANIZATION?
Obtaining TISAX® certification is no easy feat:
- Implementing the necessary measures to ensure compliance (audit costs, upgrading security systems, etc.) can be costly, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
- The requirements contained in this standard are complex and cover a wide range of areas.
- TISAX® compliance is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process! Companies must constantly monitor and improve their security practices to remain compliant.
Some tips for TISAX® compliance
Start by assessing the gaps
This will enable you to identify areas where your current practices differ from TISAX® requirements – and thus better understand the extent of the changes needed.
Plan and prioritize
Develop a detailed action plan that prioritizes measures based on their impact on safety and available resources. Remember to involve all stakeholders from the outset of the process: this is the best way to ensure smooth implementation.
Train and raise awareness
It is not enough to simply introduce your employees to cybersecurity best practices: you must also ensure that they are familiar with and understand the TISAX® requirements! Regular awareness training is essential to maintaining a high level of vigilance.
Document and standardize
Implement comprehensive documentation and standardized procedures for all activities related to information security. This includes:
- access management policies;
- incident response plans;
- physical and logical security controls.
Audit
Conduct regular internal audits to verify compliance with TISAX® requirements. Your goal: identify and correct issues before the official audit.
Work with specialists
Consider hiring external consultants who specialize in cybersecurity—or even TISAX® compliance. Their expertise can help you understand these complex requirements and optimize your compliance process.
And in practice?
Example 1: TISAX® at an automotive parts supplier
Let's imagine that an automotive parts supplier has undertaken the TISAX® certification process to meet the security requirements of its main customers. In collaboration with an external consultant, they have:
- conducted a gap assessment;
- implemented the necessary measures to address the identified shortcomings;
- trained the staff;
- integrated new security procedures.
After several months of hard work, they successfully obtained TISAX® certification! This strengthened their position in the market, enabling them to secure new contracts with renowned car manufacturers.
Example 2: TISAX® in a tech startup in the automotive industry
Let's imagine that a startup specializing in software solutions for the automotive industry has decided to comply with TISAX® in order to access new markets. Due to their limited resources, the teams opted for a step-by-step approach, focusing first on critical aspects of information security.
Thanks to strategic planning and the use of cloud security solutions, they were able to obtain TISAX® certification in less than a year. This certification has been a major asset in attracting investors and business partners of all kinds.
Would you also like to obtain TISAX® certification? Tenacy can help you manage your compliance project!
