Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive framework for standardized information security assessments

    VS

    ISO 27018

    Voluntary
    2019

    International code of practice for PII protection in public clouds

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures automotive supply chain security via assessments for prototypes and IP, while ISO 27018 protects PII in public clouds through privacy controls. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; CSPs use 27018 for customer trust and regulatory alignment.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Centralized ENX portal shares assessments across automotive partners
    • Three risk-based levels: self-assessment to on-site audits
    • Prototype protection modules for parts, vehicles, and events
    • VDA ISA catalog with 70+ maturity-scored controls
    • Built on ISO 27001 with automotive-specific extensions
    Cloud Privacy

    ISO 27018

    ISO/IEC 27018:2025 Code of practice for PII in public clouds

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

    Key Features

    • Privacy controls for public cloud PII processors
    • Subprocessor transparency and location disclosure
    • Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
    • Customer breach notification requirements
    • Data subject rights support mechanisms

    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 an industry-specific framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for the automotive supply chain. It standardizes assessments of information security capabilities, focusing on protecting sensitive data like prototypes and IP. Rooted in a risk-based approach using the VDA ISA catalog, it verifies CIA triad protections at three maturity levels.

    Key Components

    • VDA ISA catalog with 70+ controls across policy, access, operations, and supplier relationships.
    • Assessment levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).
    • Modules for information security, prototype protection, and data protection.
    • 3-year labels shared via ENX portal; maturity scoring (0-5). Built on ISO 27001 ISMS principles with automotive tailoring.

    Why Organizations Use It

    OEMs mandate TISAX contractually for suppliers, preventing revenue loss and access denial. It reduces duplicate audits (70-90% efficiency), mitigates breach risks (€4.5M avg), enables market access, and builds trust in global chains.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit/certification (2-4 months). Targets automotive ecosystem (OEMs, Tier 1/2 suppliers); scalable for SMEs to enterprises via self-assess or audits by accredited providers like DQS/TÜV.

    ISO 27018 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a code of practice extending ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 to protect personally identifiable information (PII) processed by public cloud service providers acting as PII processors. It focuses on cloud-specific privacy risks like multi-tenancy and cross-border data flows, using a risk-based approach integrated into an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

    Key Components

    • ~25–30 additional privacy-specific controls across Organizational, People, Physical, and Technological themes.
    • Core principles: consent/choice, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, transparency, accountability.
    • Built on ISO 27001 certification model; assessed during ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certificate.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enhances customer trust, accelerates procurement via Statement of Applicability.
    • Aligns with GDPR, HIPAA processor obligations.
    • Mitigates privacy risks, supports cyber insurance.
    • Provides competitive differentiation for CSPs.

    Implementation Overview

    • Gap analysis, integrate controls into ISMS.
    • Update policies, train staff, implement technical safeguards.
    • Suited for CSPs all sizes/industries; requires third-party audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Automotive supply chain info security & prototypes
    ISO 27018
    PII protection in public cloud services

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive sector, global supply chains
    ISO 27018
    Cloud service providers, all sectors

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary industry assessment & exchange
    ISO 27018
    Voluntary code of practice extension

    Testing

    TISAX
    AL1-3 assessments by ENX providers, 3-year labels
    ISO 27018
    ISO 27001 audits with privacy controls

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no legal fines
    ISO 27018
    No legal penalties, certification loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and ISO 27018

    TISAX FAQ

    ISO 27018 FAQ

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