Standards Comparison

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive standard for trusted security assessments exchange

    VS

    SOX

    Mandatory
    2002

    U.S. law mandating internal controls for financial reporting integrity

    Quick Verdict

    TISAX standardizes automotive supply chain info security via assessments for OEM trust, while SOX mandates US public company financial controls and certifications for investor protection. Automotive firms adopt TISAX contractually; publics comply with SOX legally.

    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Centralized ENX portal shares assessments ecosystem-wide
    • Prototype protection for parts, vehicles, and events
    • Three risk-based levels: AL1 self-assess to AL3 onsite
    • Maturity-scaled VDA ISA controls beyond ISO 27001
    • Three-year labels reduce duplicate OEM audits
    Financial Reporting

    SOX

    Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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

    Key Features

    • CEO/CFO personal certification of financial accuracy
    • ICFR management assessment and auditor attestation
    • PCAOB oversight of public company auditors
    • Auditor independence and rotation requirements
    • Whistleblower protections and anti-retaliation rules

    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 ENX Association and VDA for automotive supply chain security. It standardizes assessments of information protection, using VDA ISA catalog v5.0.4 or later with risk-based methodology across CIA triad plus prototypes.

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls in 7 groups: policy, organization, personnel, physical security, access, cryptography, operations.
    • Three levels: AL1 self-assessment, AL2 remote check, AL3 onsite audit.
    • Modules for prototypes, data protection; maturity scale 0-5.
    • Builds on ISO 27001; ENX portal for label exchange (3-year validity).

    Why Organizations Use It

    OEMs mandate for suppliers handling IP/prototypes; prevents contract loss, fines. Enables market access, cuts duplicate audits 70-90%, boosts resilience. Builds trust, ROI via risk mitigation (€4.5M breach avoidance).

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scope/gap (1-3mo), remediate/tabletops (3-9mo), audit (2-4mo); 6-18 months total. For SMEs to globals in automotive; requires accredited auditors like DQS/TÜV.

    SOX Details

    What It Is

    Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) is a U.S. federal statute establishing corporate accountability standards. It mandates accurate financial disclosures and robust internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) for public companies. SOX employs a risk-based, control-oriented approach via SEC rules and PCAOB standards.

    Key Components

    • **Three pillarsPCAOB oversight (Title I), auditor independence (Title II), executive accountability (Titles III–XI).
    • Key sections: 302/906 (CEO/CFO certifications), 404 (ICFR assessment/attestation), 409 (real-time disclosures).
    • Built on COSO framework; no fixed controls, focuses on key risks.
    • Compliance model: annual management reports, auditor attestation for most filers.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Legal mandate for U.S. public issuers; severe penalties for non-compliance.
    • Enhances investor trust, reduces restatements, lowers capital costs.
    • Improves governance, fraud deterrence, operational efficiency.
    • Boosts M&A/IPO readiness and reputation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: scoping, documentation, testing, monitoring.
    • Activities: risk assessment, control design, ITGC, continuous monitoring.
    • Applies to public companies; scalable by size.
    • Requires external audit for 404(b) filers. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TISAX
    Automotive info security, prototypes, CIA triad
    SOX
    Financial reporting, ICFR, governance, disclosures

    Industry

    TISAX
    Automotive supply chain, global but Europe-focused
    SOX
    All US-listed public companies, financial reporting

    Nature

    TISAX
    Voluntary industry assessment, contractual via ENX
    SOX
    Mandatory US federal law, SEC/PCAOB enforced

    Testing

    TISAX
    AL1-AL3 self/audit, 3-year labels, ENX portal
    SOX
    Annual ICFR assessment/attestation, PCAOB standards

    Penalties

    TISAX
    Contract loss, no legal fines, OEM exclusion
    SOX
    Criminal fines/imprisonment, SEC fines, restatements

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TISAX and SOX

    TISAX FAQ

    SOX FAQ

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