The road to TISAX®: Practical guidance from our webinars for the automotive industry

Article Content

1. Introduction to TISAX® and its importance

• General explanation of the TISAX® standard and its role in the automotive industry.
• Why it is indispensable for suppliers and technology partners.
• How it relates to modern information security requirements.

Webinar 1

TISAX® 6.0: Phased Approach

• Presentation of the VDA ISA 6.0 standard.
• Detail of the phases of the TISAX® process.
• Explanation of protection levels(Confidential, Strictly Confidential, etc.).
• Impact of the standard update on the industry and vendor companies.

3. Webinar 2

ISMS implementation and preparation for self-assessment.

• Practical guidance for the implementation of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to TISAX®.
• Tips for identifying gaps and organizing evidence.
• Best practices to complete the self-assessment correctly.

4. Webinar 3

Self-assessment and preparation for external assessment.

• Steps to perform the self-assessment on the official platform.
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them.
• Recommendations to successfully face the evaluation by an authorized auditor.

5. Conclusion

TISAX® as a competitive advantage

• Summary of key learnings.
• How certification strengthens the company's position with customers and markets.
• Recommended next steps for organizations.

1. Introduction to TISAX® and its importance

TISAX® (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is the information security assessment scheme developed specifically for the automotive industry, with the objective of building trust in the exchange of sensitive information between manufacturers, suppliers and technology partners. Through a set of requirements based on the VDA ISA catalog, TISAX® makes it possible to evaluate in a standardized way the level of information protection within organizations that are part of the supply chain.

In an increasingly digitized and collaborative environment, information security has become a critical factor in maintaining sustainable business relationships. For suppliers and technology partners, complying with TISAX® is no longer just a best practice, but a prerequisite for participating in automotive projects, tenders and platforms, as well as for meeting OEMs ' expectations in terms of confidentiality and data protection.

In addition, TISAX® is closely related to modern information security requirements, as it drives the implementation and continuous improvement of an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This enables organizations to manage risks such as unauthorized access, information loss, cybersecurity incidents and the protection of sensitive information throughout the entire supply chain, thereby strengthening their security maturity and resilience.

Webinar 1

TISAX® 6.0: Phased Approach

The first webinar in the series is focused on understanding the changes introduced by the VDA ISA 6.0 standard, which establishes the new requirements for TISAX® assessments. This update represents an important step in the evolution of the scheme, as it reinforces the risk-based approach and more clearly defines information security expectations for the automotive industry.

During this session, DQS explained the phased approach of the TISAX® process, which allows organizations to structure their assessment journey in a progressive and orderly manner. This approach facilitates planning, assignment of responsibilities and prioritization of actions, especially for those organizations facing a TISAX® assessment for the first time.

It also addresses the levels of information protection, such as Confidential and Strictly Confidential, and their direct impact on the security controls and measures to be implemented. Understanding these levels is key to defining the correct scope of the assessment and avoiding deviations that may affect the outcome of the process.

This first webinar lays the groundwork for the entire TISAX® journey, helping organizations to understand the regulatory framework, the most relevant changes to the standard and the practical implications they will have on their information security management system.

Webinar 2

ISMS Implementation and Preparation for Self-Assessment

The second webinar in the series focuses on the implementation phase, one of the most relevant steps on the road to TISAX®. At this stage, organizations must translate the requirements of the standard into concrete actions, defined processes and effective controls to systematically manage information security.

DQS addresses how to implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS) aligned with TISAX® requirements, considering both organizational and technical aspects. During the webinar we highlight good practices for structuring policies, responsibilities and processes, as well as for integrating information security into the daily activities of the organization.

A key point of this session is the preparation for the self-assessment of the VDA ISA catalog. It explains how to approach this exercise realistically and objectively, identifying gaps, prioritizing actions and gathering evidence to support the level of compliance achieved. Performing a proper self-assessment allows organizations to detect opportunities for improvement early and reduce risks before moving on to external assessment.

This webinar provides practical guidance to strengthen the ISMS and move more confidently through the TISAX® process, helping organizations lay a solid foundation to facilitate the next phases of the assessment.

Webinar 3

Self-Assessment and Preparation for External Assessment

The third and final webinar in the series focuses on the final phase of the TISAX® journey, in which organizations must consolidate their previous work and prepare for the external assessment. At this stage, a correct execution of the self-assessment and a proper preparation of the documentation are key to face the process with confidence.

DQS explains how to perform the self-assessment in a structured and consistent manner, ensuring that the answers reflect the actual level of implementation of the Information Security Management System. During the session we share recommendations for organizing evidence, validating controls and ensuring consistency between documentation and operational practice.

Likewise, the most relevant aspects of the preparation for the external assessment are addressed, including what organizations can expect during the assessment, how to interact with the authorized assessor and which are the most common errors that can generate deviations or delays. Having this preparation allows optimizing time, reducing uncertainty and increasing the probabilities of a successful evaluation.

This webinar closes the training course providing clarity and practical guidance to face the final stage of the TISAX® process, helping organizations to reach the external assessment with a higher level of maturity in information security.

5. Conclusion

TISAX® as a competitive advantage

Throughout this article we have covered the main learnings associated with the path to TISAX®, from understanding the standard and its updates, to implementing the Information Security Management System and preparing for the external assessment. This phased approach allows organizations to approach the process in a structured manner, reduce risks and move forward with greater clarity at each stage.

Having a TISAX® assessment is not only a growing requirement in the automotive industry, but also strengthens the organizations' position with customers, manufacturers and strategic partners. Demonstrating an adequate level of information security helps build trust, facilitates collaboration and opens up new business opportunities in a highly competitive and regulated environment.

As next steps, organizations should analyze their current level of information security maturity, define the appropriate scope of their assessment and rely on specialized training to prepare their teams. At DQS, we accompany organizations along the entire TISAX® journey, combining assessment, training and technical expertise to support continuous and sustainable improvement in information security management.