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TISAX

Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange

If you’re seeking to bolster information and data security in your automotive organisation, TISAX assessment is the ideal framework.

TISAX signals your commitment to protecting assets—such as prototypes, intellectual property and customer data—through an Information Security Management System aligned with the VDA ISA catalogue. Whether you’re a supplier, manufacturer or service provider, TISAX helps you mitigate security risks and build trust across the automotive supply chain.

What is TISAX?

TISAX is the industry‑specific information security assessment established for the automotive sector. Achieving a TISAX label signals your organisation’s dedication to protecting sensitive data—whether it’s prototypes, customer information or intellectual property—through a robust Information Security Management System aligned with the VDA ISA catalogue.

Developed in response to escalating cyber threats and data breaches within the automotive supply chain, TISAX lays out a structured approach to risk management. It encompasses clear policies, documented procedures and staff training to ensure consistent, company‑wide adherence to security best practice.

As a widely recognised benchmark among manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, TISAX approval can unlock new business opportunities. By evidencing rigorous information‑security controls, you build trust across the global automotive network and demonstrate your capacity to safeguard critical assets.

TISAX is the industry‑specific information‑security assessment and exchange mechanism published by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in collaboration with the ENX Association. Introduced in 2017, it is based on the VDA’s Information Security Assessment (ISA) catalogue—currently at version 6.0.3, published 25 April 2024—and builds on ISO/IEC 27001 with additional requirements for the automotive sector.

The TISAX framework facilitates enhanced protection of sensitive assets—prototypes, intellectual property, customer and employee data—and secures both digital and physical environments. It reviews existing processes to deliver a holistic, practicable roadmap for improvement across people, processes and technology.

Adopting TISAX means taking a risk‑based approach: defining clear information‑security policies, implementing technical and physical safeguards, and providing targeted staff training. It ensures you have an effective incident‑response plan for breaches while managing ongoing risks with full transparency.

TISAX alignment extends to your suppliers and partners, helping ensure they adhere to the same security policies and support GDPR and other regulatory compliance. The assessment covers risk assessment, organisational structure, asset classification, access control, physical security measures, and monitoring and reporting guidelines.

Suitable for any size of automotive organisation or supplier, achieving a TISAX label demonstrates that you implement, maintain and continually improve an Information Security Management System tailored to your industry’s needs—often a prerequisite for doing business with manufacturers and wider supply‑chain partners.

Launching a new car involves sharing sensitive prototype data across a complex supply chain, risking loss or theft of trade secrets. TISAX, the automotive information‑security standard, guides suppliers through a self‑assessment, a TÜV SÜD third‑party audit and gap remediation, culminating in a TISAX label visible to OEMs.

10 Reasons Your Supply‑Chain Business Needs a TISAX Label

Win trust, speed up onboarding and protect your crown‑jewel data. Here are the biggest wins when you certify to the automotive information‑security standard.

1

Instant credibility with OEMs

Prove you meet the industry’s gold standard for information security without long explanations.

2

Transparent, third‑party trust

Give partners verified assurance that their sensitive data is safe in your hands.

3

Protection for intellectual property

Secure prototypes, CAD files and trade secrets against leaks, tampering and espionage.

4

Faster onboarding, fewer audits

Cut down on questionnaires, site visits and contract cycles with pre‑qualified security status.

5

Compliance that keeps pace

Stay aligned with evolving customer mandates and tightening data‑protection rules.

6

A competitive edge in tenders

Stand out immediately when buyers shortlist certified, low‑risk suppliers.

7

Clear benchmarking against peers

See where you excel or need to improve, guided by a recognised framework.

8

A shared language for global partners

Use one common standard to simplify cross‑border collaboration and data exchange.

9

Continuous improvement built in

Regular assessments drive sustained security maturity, not one‑off box‑ticking.

10

Lower incident costs and insurance leverage

Reduce breach likelihood and downtime, strengthening your position with insurers.

Talk to us about getting your TISAX label

TISAX Assessment Levels Explained

Three assurance depths match the sensitivity of the data you handle and what your customers require.

Level 1

Self‑assessment

Online questionnaire completed by your organisation. Used for low‑risk scenarios where only a basic indication of security maturity is needed.

Level 2

Plausibility check

Remote review of your self‑assessment and evidence by an approved audit provider. Suits medium risk and most standard customer requirements.

Level 3

On‑site audit

Comprehensive in‑person verification of processes, controls and implementation. Required when handling highly sensitive or prototype data.

TISAX Process Simplified

The handbook is long. Here is what you actually do to get a label and share it with partners.

Register on the ENX portal

Create your account, pick your assessment objectives and locations, and pay the ENX fee.

Scope and self‑assess with the VDA ISA

Define what is in scope (sites, services, data types) and complete the ISA questionnaire to spot gaps.

Choose an approved audit provider

Select and contract a TISAX audit provider for Level 2 or Level 3 assessment.

Undergo the assessment

Provide evidence remotely (L2) or host the on‑site audit (L3). Non‑conformities trigger a corrective action plan.

Close gaps and get your label

Implement actions, submit proof, and receive your TISAX label(s) and report on the platform.

Share and maintain

Release results only to other TISAX participants using their Participant ID. Labels are typically valid for three years—maintain controls.

Key requirements to remember

  • You can share results only with registered TISAX participants and you need their Participant ID.
  • Labels are generally valid for three years.
  • Assessment depth (Level 1–3) must match the sensitivity of the data you handle.
  • Objectives may include information security, prototype protection and data protection—pick only what applies.
  • Corrective actions must be closed within the timeframe set by the auditor to finalise the label.

How Long Does It Really Take?

TISAX isn’t a quick tick‑box—timelines vary with scope, readiness and findings. Here’s a realistic, best‑case glide path.

Register & scope

~1–2 weeks

ENX signup, objectives, locations, fees.

VDA ISA self‑assessment

~3–6 weeks

Evidence gathering and gap spotting.

Audit window (L2/L3)

L2: ~2–4 weeks • L3: schedule dependent

Document review and remote/on‑site checks.

Corrective actions

~2–12+ weeks

Close non‑conformities and submit proof.

Label uploaded & sharing

Few days after closure

Provider uploads, you approve who sees it.

OEMs often dictate the required level—e.g. an OEM like Audi may mandate Level 3 for all suppliers. We align your scope and timeline to those mandates and manage the heavy lifting for you.
I would like to thank the whole team at Synergos for their invaluable help and support in assisting us in our accreditation of ISO9001/14001 and 45001. The process took around 6 months and with Steve Byrom at the helm we had no major issues at audit stage. Thank you all for the support.
John Robertson
John RobertsonDesmo
Jenny at Synergos really went above and beyond to ensure OC24 was ready for its ISO audit. Her knowledge, professionalism and great communication have made the process of obtaining our certification smooth and easy. I look forward to many more years of collaborations together.
Susanna Caddeo
Susanna CaddeoOnecall24
Delighted to be working with Jenny and her team - great partnership approach, understanding and recommending solutions to fit our business. Always friendly, approachable and professional we would highly recommend their services to other companies wishing to go through the ISO process and accreditation.
Gail Weathers
Gail WeathersResource
We have worked with Synergos for several years now and we love that they're so friendly and easy to work with. Everything is explained simply and put into practice effectively. Auditors have struggled to find even an OFI during the past 3 audits which speaks volumes in itself! 🙂
Kevin Embleton
Kevin EmbletonConcept IT
Appointing Synergos to help us manage our ISO credentials and ensure we're managing our policies and our systems properly was the best decision we made last year. And I'm pleased to say that we have just passed our ISO accreditation for another year. It's incredibly reassuring knowing we have Steve to turn to and it's great having someone who helps turn all the formalities into something we can understand!
Moira Throp
Moira Throplike minds
What a company, what a professional service they provide! We required their services to help us prepare for the newer version of ISO plus someone competent to be with us during the inspection. What we got was Jenny Kilburn, Synergos Compliance Manager, whose expert help and professional advice ensured we passed with flying colours! Many, many thanks Jenny and Synergos.
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Donald CameronPrimasonics
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