Standards Comparison

    WCAG

    Voluntary
    2023

    W3C standard for accessible web content to disabled users

    VS

    TISAX

    Mandatory
    2017

    Automotive standard for trusted information security assessments

    Quick Verdict

    WCAG ensures web accessibility for people with disabilities via testable guidelines, adopted globally for legal compliance and inclusivity. TISAX verifies automotive supply chain security through audits, mandated by OEMs to protect sensitive data and prototypes, enabling trusted partnerships.

    Web Accessibility

    WCAG

    Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1

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

    Key Features

    • Testable success criteria at levels A, AA, AAA
    • POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
    • Backward-compatible additive versioning from 2.0 to 2.2
    • Technology-agnostic for all web content and platforms
    • Normative requirements separated from informative techniques
    Cybersecurity

    TISAX

    Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

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

    Key Features

    • Standardized assessments exchanged via ENX portal
    • Risk-based levels: AL1 self, AL2 remote, AL3 on-site
    • Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
    • 70+ VDA ISA controls built on ISO 27001
    • 3-year labels reduce duplicate OEM audits

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    WCAG Details

    What It Is

    Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 is a W3C recommendation and global standard for web accessibility. It provides technology-agnostic, testable requirements to make web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. Structured as a layered model with principles, guidelines, and success criteria.

    Key Components

    • **POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
    • 13 guidelines and ~80 success criteria at levels A, AA, AAA.
    • Informative techniques, understanding documents, and Quick Reference.
    • Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets legal references (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
    • Reduces litigation risk, improves UX/SEO, expands market reach.
    • Enhances reputation, procurement eligibility, business outcomes like higher conversions.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: policy, assessment, remediation, training, CI/CD tools, audits. Applies to all web content creators; AA level typical baseline. No formal certification but VPAT/ACR reports common; ongoing monitoring essential.

    TISAX Details

    What It Is

    TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry framework and certification scheme for the automotive sector. Developed by the ENX Association based on VDA ISA catalog, it standardizes assessments to protect sensitive information like IP, prototypes, and personal data across global supply chains. It uses a risk-based approach with three maturity levels: Basic, Significant, Very High.

    Key Components

    • 70+ controls across 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access Control, Cryptography, Operations.
    • Built on ISO 27001 with automotive-specific extensions like prototype protection.
    • Assessment levels (AL1 self-assessment, AL2 remote, AL3 on-site) and modular objectives (e.g., data protection).
    • 3-year labels exchanged via ENX portal.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, Volkswagen.
    • Mitigates supply chain risks, avoids fines, enables market access.
    • Builds trust, reduces duplicate audits (70-90% savings), enhances resilience.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: Preparation (gap analysis), Remediation (controls, table-tops), Audit, Sustainment.
    • Targets automotive suppliers, OEMs, service providers; scalable for SMEs to enterprises.
    • Requires ENX-accredited auditors for Significant/Very High levels.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    WCAG
    Web content accessibility for disabilities
    TISAX
    Information security in automotive supply chain

    Industry

    WCAG
    All industries, global web content
    TISAX
    Automotive sector, primarily European

    Nature

    WCAG
    Voluntary W3C guidelines/standard
    TISAX
    Industry-mandated assessment framework

    Testing

    WCAG
    Automated/manual/user testing, no certification
    TISAX
    Audits by accredited providers, labels issued

    Penalties

    WCAG
    Litigation risk, no direct penalties
    TISAX
    Contract loss, no formal fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about WCAG and TISAX

    WCAG FAQ

    TISAX FAQ

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