Two frameworks, one goal: protecting information that matters. 

As digitalization accelerates across every industry, information security has become a board-level priority, not just an IT concern. For organizations weighing their options, one question comes up again and again: should we implement the globally recognized ISO/IEC 27001 standard, or pursue TISAX®, the assessment built specifically for the automotive sector?

The answer depends on your industry, your supply chain relationships, and your growth ambitions. This article breaks down how ISO 27001 and TISAX® differ, where they overlap, and how to decide which path, or combination of paths, fits your organization.

What are ISO 27001 and TISAX®?


ISO/IEC 27001 is the world's most widely adopted standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It gives organizations of any size or sector a structured, risk-based approach to identifying, managing, and reducing information security risks, and it results in independent, third-party certification. It also sits within a wider family of related standards; if you want the fuller picture, see our overview of information security standards.

TISAX® (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) was created by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and is governed by the ENX Association. It was designed to meet the information security and data protection expectations of automotive manufacturers and their global supply chains. TISAX® is built on the foundations of ISO 27001 but adds automotive-specific requirements, such as prototype protection and controls for third-party access. Assessments are currently based on VDA ISA version 6.0, mandatory for all new TISAX® assessments since April 2024.

Good to know: 

TISAX® does not result in a "certificate." Assessment results are issued as a label and shared through the ENX portal with the specific partners you authorize. This distinction matters when automotive customers ask about your information security status.

Key Differences at a Glance

 

DimensionISO/IEC 27001TISAX®
Industry scopeAny sector, including finance, IT, manufacturing, healthcare, and beyondAutomotive industry; increasingly required by OEMs and their suppliers worldwide
OutcomeFormal certificate, valid for three years, issued after a certification auditAssessment "label," shared via the ENX portal with authorized partners, not a certificate
Evaluation scopeComprehensive control framework across 14 domains, including access control, operations security, and complianceVDA ISA questionnaire covering information security, with optional modules for prototype protection and data protection
OversightDelivered by accredited certification bodies (accreditation bodies include ANAB and DAkkS); scheme rules set by IAFDelivered by ENX-recognized audit providers; scheme rules set by ENX
Provider landscapeOffered by a broad range of accredited certification bodies globallyOffered by a small number of ENX-recognized audit providers
Market recognitionGlobally recognized as proof of sound information security governanceIncreasingly a prerequisite within European and global automotive supply chains

 

In practice, automotive OEMs, including brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen, increasingly expect TISAX® assessments from suppliers, and this expectation is spreading through the wider automotive supply chain, including outside Europe.

Which Framework is Right for your Organization?

If your organization serves customers, regulators, or partners across diverse industries, ISO 27001 is generally the more strategic and flexible foundation: it is recognized well beyond the automotive world and demonstrates robust information security governance to any stakeholder.

If your organization is part of the automotive supply chain, particularly one that supplies European OEMs, a TISAX® assessment is often a non-negotiable condition of doing business, regardless of what other frameworks you hold.

Many organizations find that a combined approach works best: implementing ISO 27001 to build a strong information security management foundation, then layering the automotive-specific TISAX® requirements on top to meet supply chain expectations. Organizations operating in the EU should also weigh how ISO 27001 supports compliance with the NIS2 Directive; our whitepaper, NIS2 vs. ISO 27001: Mapping the Requirements, walks through the overlap in detail.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing between ISO 27001 and TISAX®, or deciding to pursue both, is ultimately a business decision shaped by your industry position, customer requirements, and risk profile. Reviewing the applicable scheme rules (IAF for ISO 27001, ENX for TISAX®) and speaking with your customers about their specific expectations are useful next steps before committing to either path. Looking further ahead, as AI systems increasingly touch sensitive data, some organizations are also exploring ISO/IEC 42001 for AI governance as a complementary framework alongside ISO 27001 and TISAX®.

Loading...

Have Questions about ISO 27001 or TISAX®?

Our information security experts are available worldwide to answer your questions and guide you through the requirements relevant to your organization.

Get in touch with us
Author

Ingo Unger

DQS Business Development Manager with many years of experience in international projects, especially in the IT and storage environment for global companies and currently in the area of information security with a focus on ISMS expertise, especially in the automotive environment (e.g. TISAX), combined with global business development of ISO 42001, ISO 21434 and the Cyber Resilience Act.

Loading...

You Might Also Enjoy These Reads

Discover more articles that dive deep into related themes and ideas.
Blog
Loading...

ISO/IEC 27000:2026 Released: Key Changes for Organisations

Blog
Loading...

ISO/IEC 42001 in Practice – Experiences with AI Governance

Blog
Loading...

NIS2 and ISO 27001: How ISO 27001 certification helps organizations meet the NIS2 cybersecurity requirements