PCI DSS
Industry standard for securing payment card data
TISAX
Automotive standard for information security assessments exchange
Quick Verdict
PCI DSS secures payment card data globally for merchants via audits and scans, while TISAX standardizes automotive supply chain security with prototype protection. Companies adopt PCI DSS to avoid fines and process cards; TISAX to win OEM contracts and share assessments.
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard v4.0
Key Features
- 12 requirements organized into 6 control objectives
- Contractual enforcement via payment brands and banks
- Over 300 granular sub-requirements and testing procedures
- Merchant levels determine validation method (SAQ/ROC)
- Ongoing Assess-Repair-Report compliance lifecycle
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Secure exchange of assessments via ENX portal
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Risk-based levels: AL1 self-assess to AL3 on-site
- 70+ VDA ISA controls built on ISO 27001
- 3-year labels reduce duplicate supplier audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PCI DSS Details
What It Is
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS v4.0) is a global industry framework mandating technical and operational controls to protect cardholder data (CHD) and sensitive authentication data (SAD). It applies to merchants and service providers handling payment cards, using a control-based approach with contractual enforcement by card brands.
Key Components
- 12 requirements grouped into 6 control objectives (e.g., secure networks, vulnerability management, access controls).
- Over 300 sub-requirements with testing procedures.
- Compliance via SAQ (self-assessment) or ROC (QSA audit), based on transaction volume levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual obligation to avoid fines, processing bans, breach costs ($37/record avg.).
- Reduces fraud risk, builds customer trust, enables market access.
- Enhances overall cybersecurity hygiene.
Implementation Overview
- Assess-Repair-Report cycle: scope CDE, gap analysis, remediate, validate quarterly/annually.
- Applies universally to card-handling entities; costs $5K-$200K+; 3-12 months typical.
TISAX Details
What It Is
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry framework for standardizing information security assessments in the automotive supply chain. Developed by the ENX Association using the VDA ISA catalog v5.0.4, it verifies protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information against cyber threats. It employs a risk-based approach with three assessment levels: Basic (self-assessment), Significant (remote audit), Very High (on-site audit).
Key Components
- Over 70 controls in 7 groups: policy, organization, access, cryptography, operations, physical security, supplier relationships.
- Built on ISO 27001 with automotive-specific extensions like prototype protection.
- ENX portal enables result exchange; labels valid 3 years.
- Maturity scoring (0-3+ levels) per control.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandates from OEMs (e.g., BMW, VW) prevent revenue loss.
- Reduces duplicate audits by 70-90%, cuts costs.
- Enhances resilience, trust, market access in €2.5T chain.
- Mitigates breaches, supports GDPR/UNECE alignment.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: preparation/gap analysis, remediation/tabletops, audit/certification (6-18 months).
- Targets Tier 1/2 suppliers, OEMs, services; scalable for SMEs/multinationals.
- Requires ENX-accredited auditors for higher levels.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PCI DSS | TISAX |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Payment card data protection (CHD/SAD) | Automotive info security, prototypes, supply chain |
| Industry | Global payment processing, all merchants/providers | Automotive supply chain, OEMs/suppliers (Europe-focused) |
| Nature | Contractual standard, voluntary but enforced by brands | Industry assessment framework, OEM-mandated sharing |
| Testing | SAQ/ROC by QSA, quarterly ASV scans, annual pentests | AL1-AL3 audits by ENX providers, 3-year validity |
| Penalties | Fines, card processing bans, breach costs | Contract loss, OEM exclusion, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCI DSS and TISAX
PCI DSS FAQ
TISAX FAQ
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