Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive framework for secure information assessment exchange

    VS

    NIST 800-171

    Mandatory
    2020

    U.S. standard for protecting CUI in nonfederal systems

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX ensures automotive supply chain trust via ENX-assessed labels for prototypes/IP, while NIST 800-171 mandates CUI protection for US federal contractors through SSPs/POA&Ms. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; DoD suppliers use 800-171 for compliance eligibility.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange

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

    Key Features

    • Secure exchange of assessments via ENX portal
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • Risk-based levels: AL1 self to AL3 on-site
    • Maturity scoring 0-5 requiring level 3+
    • Extends ISO 27001 for supply chain resilience
    Controlled Unclassified Information

    NIST 800-171

    NIST SP 800-171: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Scoped requirements for CUI-processing components
    • SSP and POA&M documentation mandates
    • 110 controls across 14-17 families
    • FedRAMP Moderate cloud equivalence
    • DFARS/CMMC contractual enforcement

    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 security, developed by ENX Association using VDA ISA catalog. It standardizes assessments for protecting sensitive data like prototypes and IP, emphasizing CIA triad. Risk-based with three levels: AL1 (self-assessment), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls in 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access Control, Cryptography, Operations.
    • Builds on ISO 27001 with automotive extensions like prototype protection.
    • Maturity model (0-5 scale, requires 3+ for compliance).
    • ENX portal enables result sharing without re-audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Contractual mandate from OEMs (e.g., BMW, VW) for market access.
    • Cuts duplicate audits (70-90% efficiency), mitigates €4.5M breach risks.
    • Boosts trust, revenue, resilience in €2.5T chain.
    • Strategic ROI via IP protection, collaboration.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scope/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit (2-4 months), ongoing monitoring. 6-18 months total, €15K-€150K costs. Targets OEMs/suppliers/services; scalable for SMEs/multinationals.

    NIST 800-171 Details

    What It Is

    NIST SP 800-171 (Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations) is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements for safeguarding CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems. Tailored from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline, it uses a control-based approach focused on nonfederal contractors handling federal data.

    Key Components

    • 17 families in Rev 3 (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management) with ~97-110 requirements.
    • Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
    • Assessment via SP 800-171A (examine/interview/test methods).
    • Built on FIPS 200 and SP 800-53; supports tailoring and FedRAMP equivalence.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory via contracts like DFARS 252.204-7012 for DoD suppliers.
    • Enables CMMC Level 2 certification and SPRS scoring.
    • Reduces breach risks, ensures contract eligibility, builds supply chain trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: scoping CUI enclave, gap analysis, control deployment, evidence collection.
    • Applies to contractors globally; suits all sizes via enclaves.
    • Self/third-party assessments; no central certification but contract-driven audits. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Automotive info security, prototypes, CIA triad
    NIST 800-171
    CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive supply chain, global OEMs/suppliers
    NIST 800-171
    US federal contractors, DoD supply chain

    Nature

    TISAX
    Industry certification, voluntary but contractual
    NIST 800-171
    Contractual requirement via DFARS clauses

    Testing

    TISAX
    AL1-AL3 audits by ENX providers, 3-year labels
    NIST 800-171
    SSP/POA&M, self/third-party assessments

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no legal fines
    NIST 800-171
    Contract ineligibility, potential civil penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and NIST 800-171

    TISAX FAQ

    NIST 800-171 FAQ

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