TISAX
Automotive standard for information security assessments exchange
IEC 62443
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.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
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
IEC 62443
IEC 62443: IACS Security Standards Series
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
| Aspect | TISAX | IEC 62443 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Information security in automotive supply chain | Cybersecurity for industrial automation/control systems |
| Industry | Automotive sector, global supply chains | Industrial sectors (energy, manufacturing, utilities), horizontal |
| Nature | Voluntary industry assessment/exchange platform | Consensus-based standards series, certification schemes |
| Testing | AL1-3 assessments (self to on-site audits), 3-year validity | Risk assessments, SL-T/A/C testing, ISASecure certifications |
| Penalties | Contract loss, OEM exclusion, no legal fines | Regulatory exposure, operational risks, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and IEC 62443
TISAX FAQ
IEC 62443 FAQ
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