TISAX
Automotive standard for secure information exchange in supply chains
SOC 2
AICPA framework for service organization security controls
Quick Verdict
TISAX ensures automotive supply chain security via standardized assessments for OEMs/suppliers, while SOC 2 attests service org controls across Trust Criteria for SaaS/cloud. Automotive firms adopt TISAX contractually; tech providers pursue SOC 2 for enterprise trust/sales.
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange
Key Features
- ENX portal for sharing assessment results across partners
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- Risk-based three assessment levels (AL1-AL3)
- VDA ISA maturity model with 70+ controls
- Three-year labels replacing multiple OEM audits
SOC 2
System and Organization Controls 2
Key Features
- Trust Services Criteria with mandatory Security
- Type 2 tests operating effectiveness over 3-12 months
- Independent CPA firm attestation reports
- Flexible scoping of optional criteria
- Maps to ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA frameworks
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 certification framework developed by the ENX Association and VDA for the automotive sector. 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 the VDA ISA catalog (70+ controls) and three maturity levels.
Key Components
- Core control groups: policy, access, operations, supplier risks, prototype protection.
- Assessment levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site).
- Modular objectives: information security, data protection, prototypes.
- ENX portal for secure result exchange; 3-year labels.
Why Organizations Use It
OEMs mandate it contractually for suppliers, preventing contract loss and fines. It mitigates cyber risks, reduces duplicate audits (70-90% savings), enables market access, and builds trust in €2.5T chains. Strategic ROI includes efficiency and resilience.
Implementation Overview
Phased: preparation/gap analysis (1-3 months), remediation/tabletops (3-9), audit (2-4), sustainment. Applies to OEMs, Tier 1/2 suppliers, services; scalable for SMEs/multinationals. Requires accredited auditors; 6-18 months total.
SOC 2 Details
What It Is
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary attestation framework developed by the AICPA for service organizations handling customer data. It evaluates controls based on Trust Services Criteria (TSC) using a risk-based, control-focused approach emphasizing design and operational effectiveness.
Key Components
- Five TSC: Security (mandatory, CC1-CC9), Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, Privacy.
- 50-100+ controls mapped to criteria, built on COSO principles.
- Type 1 (point-in-time design) and Type 2 (operating effectiveness over 3-12 months) reports via independent CPA audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Accelerates enterprise sales, reduces due diligence friction.
- Builds stakeholder trust, mitigates breach risks ($9K/min downtime).
- Market-driven for SaaS/cloud; overlaps ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA.
- Competitive moat via maturity signaling to VCs/customers.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gap analysis (4-8 weeks), controls deployment (4-8 weeks), 3-12 month monitoring, CPA audit.
- Targets SaaS/fintech (10-500+ employees); automation (Vanta) cuts effort 70%.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TISAX | SOC 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Automotive info security, prototypes, CIA triad | Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, confidentiality, privacy |
| Industry | Automotive supply chain, global OEMs/suppliers | SaaS, cloud, tech service organizations, US-centric |
| Nature | Voluntary industry assessment/exchange platform | Voluntary AICPA attestation report framework |
| Testing | AL1-3 self/audit by ENX providers, 3-year validity | Type 1/2 CPA audits, annual Type 2 over 3-12 months |
| Penalties | Contract loss, no legal fines | No legal penalties, deal blocks/reputation damage |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TISAX and SOC 2
TISAX FAQ
SOC 2 FAQ
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