What is the primary objective of **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

**The primary objective of CSL is to establish a nationwide statutory framework governing network security, data localization, and cybersecurity governance for all entities processing data in China.** Enacted on **June 1, 2017**, with 69 articles, it mandates technical safeguards like firewalls and real-time monitoring (**network security**), storage of **Critical Information Infrastructure (CII)** and **important data** in Mainland China (**data localization**), and senior executive accountability with incident reporting (**cybersecurity governance**).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

**All network operators, CII operators, data processors of important data, and foreign enterprises serving Chinese users must comply with CSL.** This includes **network operators** like cloud platforms (e.g., Alibaba Cloud) and SaaS vendors; **CII operators** in sectors like power grids and banking; processors of large-scale personal or **important data** (per State Council lists); and foreign firms (e.g., Microsoft 365) with Chinese users, regardless of server location.

Does **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**CSL requires government-approved security evaluations and certifications for CII operators, including third-party penetration testing and Security Protection Capability Test (SPCT) reports submitted to MIIT.** **Article 20** mandates periodic security assessments via certified agencies; **China Information Security Certification (CISC)** applies where relevant, with real-time monitoring and incident validation through external tools like Qualys scans.

How often should an assessment for **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)** be performed?

**CSL-mandated assessments, including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning for CII assets, must be conducted periodically as per Article 20, with re-assessments triggered within 60 days of regulatory amendments.** Annual compliance reporting and quarterly training drills ensure ongoing validation, integrated with continuous monitoring KPIs like Mean Time to Detect.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

**Non-compliance with CSL incurs fines up to 5% of annual revenue (2022 amendment), business license suspension, service shutdowns, and operational disruptions.** Examples include a CNY 150 million fine for data non-localization (2020) and API blocks; additional risks involve reputational damage, user lawsuits under PIPL, and key seizures.

An **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, CSL can be mapped to international frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST through aligned controls in governance, risk assessment, and technical safeguards.** Implementation phases mirror ISO 27001 Annex A (e.g., policy suites, audits) and NIST (e.g., zero-trust, SIEM), enabling hybrid compliance for multinationals via gap analysis and control mapping.

What is the first step to begin implementing **CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)**?

**The first step is Phase 0 pre-engagement: secure executive sponsorship, form a cross-functional steering committee, and conduct regulatory baseline mapping of applicable CSL articles.** This delivers a governance charter, budget mandate, and gap report prioritizing CII assets, data classification, and high-impact risks like non-localization.

What is the primary objective of **TISAX**?

**TISAX's primary objective is to standardize information security assessments and enable secure exchange of results across the automotive supply chain.** Developed by the ENX Association using the VDA ISA catalog version 5.0.4 (updated to 6.0 in 2023), it verifies protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information against cyber threats via three assessment levels: Basic (AL1 self-assessment), Significant (AL2 remote), and Very High (AL3 on-site).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **TISAX**?

**TISAX compliance is a contractual requirement, not legal, for automotive OEMs, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, service providers, and logistics firms handling sensitive data.** Mandated by OEMs like Volkswagen and BMW in RFPs, it applies to any entity processing OEM IP, prototypes, or ADAS software, scalable from SMEs (self-assessments) to multinationals via ENX portal registration.

Does **TISAX** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, TISAX requires external audits by ENX-accredited providers (e.g., DQS, TÜV) for AL2 and AL3, issuing labels valid for three years.** AL1 is self-assessment only (no label); AL2 involves remote plausibility checks; AL3 mandates on-site inspections for prototype protection, with results exchanged via the ENX portal.

How often should an assessment for **TISAX** be performed?

**TISAX assessments must be performed every three years, as labels are valid for that period without surveillance audits.** Reassessments follow the full process upon expiry or significant changes (e.g., new scopes), supported by ongoing internal PDCA cycles, quarterly reviews, and annual tabletop exercises per VDA ISA controls.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **TISAX**?

**Non-compliance with TISAX results in contractual termination, lost OEM portal access, and revenue forfeiture (e.g., €10-50M for mid-tier suppliers).** ENX-partnered OEMs impose penalties up to 5% of contract value, plus €20K-€100K re-audit costs, reputational damage, and production halts in just-in-time chains.

An **TISAX** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, TISAX maps directly to ISO 27001/27002 via its VDA ISA catalog, enabling 20-30% effort savings through integrated ISMS and co-audits.** It shares CIA triad controls (e.g., policy, access, incident response) but adds automotive specifics like prototype protection; ENX analytics support benchmarking.

What is the first step to begin implementing **TISAX**?

**The first step is registering on the ENX portal (enx.com) and defining the Assessment Scope and Leadership Profile (ASLP).** Collaborate with OEMs on protection needs (Normal/High/Very High), download VDA ISA Excel for gap analysis across 70+ controls in 7 groups, and assemble a cross-functional team.

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) vs TISAX

Standards Comparison

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)

Mandatory

N/A

China's law for network security and data localization

TISAX

Mandatory

2017

Automotive standard for trusted information security assessments

Quick Verdict

CSL mandates data localization and security for China operations, while TISAX certifies automotive supply chain security. Companies adopt CSL for legal compliance in China; TISAX for OEM contracts and trust.

Standard

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)

Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China

Cost

€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

18-24 months

Key Features

Mandates data localization for CII and important data
Requires real-time monitoring and periodic security testing
Imposes senior executive cybersecurity responsibilities
Enforces 24-hour incident reporting obligations
Broadly applies to all network operators in China

Cybersecurity

TISAX

Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Standardized assessments shared via ENX portal
Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
Risk-based levels: AL1 self-assess to AL3 on-site
VDA ISA catalog with 70+ maturity-rated controls
3-year labels reduce duplicate OEM audits

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

CSL (Cyber Security Law of China) Details

What It Is

The Cybersecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China (CSL), enacted June 1, 2017, is a nationwide statutory regulation comprising 69 articles. It governs network operators, data processors, and entities handling Chinese data through a risk-based framework focused on securing information systems, protecting personal data, and ensuring national cybersecurity.

Key Components

Three pillars: Network Security (safeguards, testing), Data Localization & PIP (local storage for CII/important data), Cybersecurity Governance (executive duties, reporting).
Applies to broad entities like cloud providers, IoT firms, MNCs serving China.
Core principles include real-time monitoring, incident reporting, cross-border assessments; compliance via self-assessments and government evaluations.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory to avoid fines up to 5% of revenue, shutdowns, lawsuits. Drives trust, efficiency (e.g., edge computing), innovation (local R&D). Enhances market access, stakeholder confidence in China.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, redesign (local clouds, ZTA, SM crypto), governance/training, testing/certification. Targets all sizes touching China; requires continuous audits, MIIT cooperation.

TISAX Details

What It Is

TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for standardizing information security assessments in the automotive supply chain. Its primary purpose is to verify protection of sensitive data like prototypes and IP through risk-based assessments at three levels: Basic, Significant, Very High.

Key Components

VDA ISA catalog with 70+ controls across policy, access, operations, and prototype protection.
Built on ISO 27001 with automotive-specific extensions.
ENX portal for sharing labels valid 3 years.

Why Organizations Use It

Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, Volkswagen.
Reduces duplicate audits, enhances market access.
Mitigates risks, builds trust in €2.5T supply chain.

Implementation Overview

Phased: preparation, remediation, audit, sustainment (6-18 months).
Gap analysis, tabletop exercises, third-party audits.
Targets automotive suppliers, scalable for SMEs to enterprises.