TISAX
Automotive framework for information security assessments exchange
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility.
Quick Verdict
TISAX delivers certifiable information security for automotive supply chains, while ISO 26000 provides voluntary social responsibility guidance for all organizations. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; others use ISO 26000 for ethical governance and stakeholder trust.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Standardized exchange of assessments via ENX portal
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Tiered assessment levels AL1-AL3 by risk
- Maturity grading 0-5 across VDA ISA controls
- Three-year labels reducing duplicate audits
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven core subjects for holistic SR coverage
- Seven principles as cross-cutting decision norms
- Non-certifiable guidance applicable to all organizations
- Stakeholder engagement for issue prioritization
- Integration into governance and management systems
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 certification framework for automotive supply chain information security. Developed by ENX Association using VDA ISA catalog (v5.0.4/6.0), it ensures protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information. It uses risk-based assessments at three levels: AL1 (self-assessment), AL2 (remote), AL3 (onsite), focusing on CIA triad with industry specifics.
Key Components
- VDA ISA with 70+ controls in 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access, Cryptography, Operations.
- Modules for prototype protection, data protection.
- Maturity scoring (0-5 levels) per control.
- ENX portal for secure result sharing.
- Labels valid 3 years, no annual audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandates from OEMs (e.g., BMW, VW) for market access.
- Reduces duplicate audits (70-90% efficiency).
- Mitigates risks, prevents breaches (€4.5M avg cost).
- Builds trust, enables premium contracts, ESG benefits.
Implementation Overview
Phased: Preparation (scope, gap analysis), Remediation (controls, table-tops), Audit (accredited providers like DQS/TÜV), Sustainment (monitoring). Scalable for SMEs to enterprises; 6-18 months, €15k-€150k+. Targets suppliers, OEMs, services globally.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is an international guidance standard on social responsibility, not a certifiable management system. Its primary purpose is to provide a shared definition, principles, and core subjects for organizations to assess impacts, engage stakeholders, and integrate responsible practices holistically across operations and value chains. It uses a contextual, stakeholder-driven approach rather than prescriptive requirements.
Key Components
- Seven core subjects: organizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- Seven principles: accountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- Built on multi-stakeholder consensus; no fixed controls, emphasizes prioritization and integration.
- Non-certifiable; compliance via self-assessment and transparent reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
- Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for credibility without certification burden.
- Drives operational resilience, ESG integration, and competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, training, reporting.
- Applies to all organization types/sizes; uses PDCA cycles.
- No audits required; leverage existing systems like ISO 14001/45001.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TISAX | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Information security in automotive supply chain | Social responsibility across seven core subjects |
| Industry | Automotive sector, global supply chains | All industries, all organization types worldwide |
| Nature | Certifiable assessment framework, contractual | Non-certifiable voluntary guidance standard |
| Testing | Audits at AL1-AL3 by accredited providers | Self-assessment, no formal audits or certification |
| Penalties | Contract loss, no TISAX label | No penalties, reputational risks only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and ISO 26000
TISAX FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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