ISO 27001 vs. TISAX®: Which Certificate Does Your Company Need?

Definition and Basics of ISO 27001 Certification

ISO 27001 stands for optimal processes and practices to ensure information security in ISO 27001 has been a cross-industry standard since 2005, specifying the requirements for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) specifies. The standard is backed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Like all ISO standards, ISO 27001 is globally recognized.

ISO certifications are proof that companies comply with specific standards for management systems. In the case of ISO 27001, it concerns ISMS. The standard defines what measures a company must take to implement, operate, maintain, and continuously improve such a system.

Companies that want to get ISO 27001 certified must establish standards for the security of their information systems – and thereby also lay the foundation for the protection of sensitive data.

In our blog post on ISO 27001 you will learn all the details about the standard, its core components, and the steps to successful certification.

Fundamentals of TISAX®: Definition and Scope

TISAX® stands for Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange. This standard, developed specifically for the automotive industry and its suppliers, is managed by the ENX Association and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and is a further development of ISO 27001. However, the two standards are not directly linked – an ISO certification is not a prerequisite for TISAX® and vice versa.

Our blog post on TISAX® explains what requirements your company must meet for TISAX®.

Differences between TISAX® and ISO 27001: Requirements and Focus

Just like ISO 27001, TISAX® defines the requirements for an ISMS. However, the scope differs: while companies can focus on sub-areas, individual processes, or products with ISO 27001, TISAX® applies to the entire company.

Unlike ISO 27001, TISAX® places a stronger focus on data protection. An ISMS according to ISO 27001 is only one of three sub-areas in which companies can be audited. In addition to information security, there are requirements for data protection and for prototypes.

Target Audience for TISAX® and ISO 27001: Which Standard is Relevant for Whom?

A key difference between TISAX® and ISO 27001 is the industry focus. The reason the automotive industry has its own standard is due to its specific security and compliance challenges.

The automotive industry is globally connected with suppliers, service providers, and customers. Its products are becoming increasingly complex and digital. For this reason, the threat of cyberattacks is particularly high for the industry, and the protection of sensitive data is critical. To signal to their partners that they are taking measures to protect IT systems, data, and prototypes, TISAX® is a must for many players in the automotive sector.

In contrast, the international standard ISO 27001 is relevant for companies across all industries that want to protect themselves from disruptions due to hacker attacks and the loss of data or customer trust. ISO 27001 is particularly relevant for companies operating in critical infrastructures (KRITIS) – this includes, for example, energy suppliers, public authorities, or financial companies.

While an ISO certification is not mandatory for KRITIS organizations, they must, however, demonstrate according to § 8a paragraph 3 of the Federal Act on the Security of Information Technology (BSIG) that they have implemented appropriate organizational and technical measures to ensure IT security have implemented – they can provide this proof, for example, with ISO 27001.

ISO 27001 vs. TISAX®: Key Differences at a Glance

ISO 27001

• Target Audience: Companies of all industries worldwide
• Certification by: accredited certification bodies worldwide
• Focus: general information security for various industries
• Benefits: internationally recognized standard
• Requirements: Implementation and maintenance of an ISMS according to the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001
• Audit Process: Assessment of the ISMS and security measures, based on 93 security controls that define the requirements for the ISMS
• Validity period: three years, with annual surveillance audits and re-certification 
• Type of recognition: Certificate for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)

TISAX®

• Target audience: Companies in the automotive industry and their service providers, primarily in Europe
• Certified by: Audit service providers recognized by the ENX Association
• Focus: specific information security requirements of the automotive industry
• Benefits: internationally recognized standard
• Benefits: Competitiveness in the automotive industry
• Requirements: Fulfillment of TISAX® requirements according to the VDA-ISA catalog, depending on the assessment level
• Auditing Process: The VDA-ISA questionnaire forms the basis. Audits are conducted by assessment providers who evaluate the maturity level of the security standard. The scope of the audit depends on the Assessment Level (AL) and ranges from a self-assessment to on-site inspections.
• Validity Period: maximum three years, followed by re-certification
• Type of Recognition: Label for meeting information security requirements

What are the similarities between ISO 27001 and TISAX®?

Despite all the differences, TISAX® and ISO 27001 also share some commonalities. Both standards aim to establish a functional ISMS (Information Security Management System) within companies, thereby increasing their resilience against cyber threats.

The requirement for re-certification ensures that security measures and ISM systems are up-to-date.

Benefits of dual certification for ISO 27001 and TISAX®

Although TISAX® was developed specifically for the needs of the automotive industry, companies in other sectors can still consider dual certification. Conversely, automotive companies can pursue ISO certification in addition to the TISAX label.

Dual certification offers several advantages:

• Companies with a TISAX® label gain internationally recognized additional certification through ISO 27001.
• Companies demonstrate adherence to strict security measures for both industry-specific and general requirements.
• Dual certification shows that companies take the protection of sensitive information particularly seriously.
• With both certifications, companies gain a competitive edge and strengthen their market position.

Summary: Achieve any certification with the right partner

Which standard is relevant for your company depends on your industry and the importance of information security within your organization. While ISO 27001 represents an internationally recognized standard for information security, TISAX® is essential for players in the automotive industry and their partners.

Dual certification for ISO 27001 and TISAX® can help meet particularly strict security requirements and strengthen the trust of customers and partners. Whether you want to implement one or all standards: The path to certification becomes easier when you rely on an experienced partner with expertise in information security and data protection.

We would be happy to support you with preparations for the ISO 27001 certification process or the TISAX® assessment.