TISAX
Automotive standard for information security assessments and exchange
SAMA CSF
Saudi regulatory framework for financial cybersecurity
Quick Verdict
TISAX standardizes automotive supply chain security via assessments, while SAMA CSF mandates financial cyber maturity in Saudi Arabia. Automotive firms adopt TISAX for OEM contracts; Saudi banks use SAMA CSF for regulatory compliance and resilience.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Secure exchange of assessments via ENX Portal
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Three risk-based assessment levels AL1-AL3
- Maturity model with VDA ISA 70+ controls
- Three-year labels reduce duplicate audits
SAMA CSF
SAMA Cyber Security Framework Version 1.0
Key Features
- Six-level maturity model targeting Level 3 baseline
- Four core domains with detailed subdomains
- Mandatory board oversight and CISO appointment
- Principle-based risk management approach
- Dedicated third-party cybersecurity domain
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 framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for standardizing information security assessments in the automotive supply chain. Its primary purpose is verifying protection of sensitive data like IP, prototypes, and personal information against cyber threats. It uses a risk-based approach with VDA ISA catalog controls, scaled by assessment levels (AL1-AL3).
Key Components
- Core pillars: policy, access control, operations, supplier relationships, prototype protection.
- Over 70 VDA ISA controls across 7 groups, building on ISO 27001.
- Maturity levels (0-5), requiring level 3+ for compliance.
- **Certification modellabels valid 3 years via ENX Portal exchange.
Why Organizations Use It
OEMs mandate it contractually for suppliers; non-compliance risks contract loss. Benefits include reduced duplicate audits (70-90% savings), market access, IP protection, and resilience. Enhances trust, ROI via efficiency, and positions firms as indispensable in €2.5T chain.
Implementation Overview
Phased: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9 months), audit (2-4 months). Applies to OEMs, Tier 1-2 suppliers, services; scalable for SMEs to globals. Requires ENX-accredited auditors for AL2/AL3.
SAMA CSF Details
What It Is
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF) Version 1.0 (May 2017) is a mandatory regulatory framework for SAMA-regulated financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. It provides a principle-based, outcome-oriented blueprint to detect, resist, respond to, and recover from cyber threats, using a risk-based approach with a six-level cyber security maturity model.
Key Components
- Four main domains: Cyber Security Leadership and Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Operations and Technology, Third-Party Cyber Security.
- Subdomains with principles, objectives, and detailed control considerations (over 100 subcontrols).
- Maturity levels 0-5, with Level 3 (structured/formalized) as regulatory baseline.
- Aligned with NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and Basel.
- Self-assessment via questionnaire; no external certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for banks, insurers, financing firms, credit bureaus in KSA.
- Mitigates regulatory penalties, operational risks, and incidents.
- Builds resilience, efficiency, competitive differentiation, and trust.
- Enables partnerships, cyber insurance savings, and strategic risk intelligence.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: initiation/gap analysis, risk assessment, design/roadmap, deployment, operations/monitoring, audit/improvement.
- Targets all SAMA-regulated financial entities; scalable by size.
- Involves board sponsorship, CISO appointment, GRC tools, audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TISAX | SAMA CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Automotive info sec, prototypes, CIA triad | Financial sector cyber maturity, 4 domains |
| Industry | Automotive supply chain, global | Saudi financial institutions only |
| Nature | Voluntary industry assessment exchange | Mandatory regulatory framework |
| Testing | AL1-3 audits by accredited providers | Self-assessments, SAMA reviews |
| Penalties | Contract loss, no fines | Fines, license suspension |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and SAMA CSF
TISAX FAQ
SAMA CSF FAQ
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