Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive standard for information security assessments exchange

    VS

    IEC 62443

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for IACS cybersecurity frameworks

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures trusted information security for automotive supply chains via standardized assessments, while IEC 62443 secures industrial control systems through risk-based zones, security levels, and lifecycle requirements. Organizations adopt them for contractual trust and operational resilience.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Standardized exchange of assessments via ENX Portal
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Risk-based three assessment levels (AL1-AL3)
    • Maturity grading on 0-5 scale per control
    • Reduces duplicate audits across supply chain
    Industrial Cybersecurity

    IEC 62443

    IEC 62443: IACS Security Standards Series

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Zones and conduits segmentation model
    • Security levels SL-T, SL-C, SL-A triad
    • Shared responsibility across stakeholders
    • Seven foundational requirements FR1-7
    • ISASecure modular certification schemes

    Detailed Analysis

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

    TISAX Details

    What It Is

    TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a sector-specific certification framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for the automotive industry. It standardizes assessments of information security, focusing on protecting sensitive data like prototypes and IP in global supply chains. Rooted in ISO 27001, it uses a risk-based approach with VDA ISA catalog controls across policy, access, operations, and more.

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls in 7 groups (e.g., Policy, Access Control, Prototype Protection).
    • Three assessment levels (AL1 self-assessment, AL2 remote, AL3 on-site).
    • Maturity model (0-5 scale per control).
    • Modular objectives (Information Security, Prototype Protection, Data Protection). Labels valid for 3 years, shared via ENX Portal.

    Why Organizations Use It

    OEMs mandate TISAX contractually for suppliers, preventing revenue loss and access denial. It mitigates cyber risks, builds trust, enables market access, and cuts duplicate audits by 70-90%. Enhances resilience, IP protection, and competitive edge in €2.5T automotive chain.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit/certification (2-4 months). Targets Tier 1/2 suppliers, OEMs, service providers; scalable for SMEs to enterprises. Requires accredited auditors; integrates with ISO 27001.

    IEC 62443 Details

    What It Is

    IEC 62443 (ISA/IEC 62443 series) is an international consensus-based standard series for cybersecurity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). Its primary purpose is securing OT environments across the lifecycle, using a risk-based approach with zones/conduits and security levels (SL 0–4).

    Key Components

    • Four groupings: General (-1), Policies (-2), System (-3), Components (-4)
    • Seven Foundational Requirements (FR1-7) (e.g., IAC, RDF, RA)
    • ~127 CSMS requirements in -2-1; detailed SRs/CRs in -3-3/-4-2
    • ISASecure modular certifications (SDLA, CSA, SSA)

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates OT-specific risks (safety, availability, legacy constraints)
    • Meets regulatory references (e.g., NIS-2, NERC CIP alignments)
    • Enables procurement assurance, supply chain risk reduction
    • Builds stakeholder trust via certifications; competitive edge in tenders

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: governance/CSMS (-2-1), risk assessment/zoning (-3-2), controls (-3-3/-4-2)
    • Involves asset inventory, SL-T setting, training, audits
    • Applies to critical infrastructure globally; scalable for all sizes
    • Optional third-party certification via ISASecure/IECEE (Word count: 178)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Information security in automotive supply chain
    IEC 62443
    Cybersecurity for industrial automation/control systems

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive sector, global supply chains
    IEC 62443
    Industrial sectors (energy, manufacturing, utilities), horizontal

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary industry assessment/exchange platform
    IEC 62443
    Consensus-based standards series, certification schemes

    Testing

    TISAX
    AL1-3 assessments (self to on-site audits), 3-year validity
    IEC 62443
    Risk assessments, SL-T/A/C testing, ISASecure certifications

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, OEM exclusion, no legal fines
    IEC 62443
    Regulatory exposure, operational risks, no direct fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and IEC 62443

    TISAX FAQ

    IEC 62443 FAQ

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