TISAX, or Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange, is a critical standard for information security within the automotive industry.
As organisations increasingly handle sensitive and confidential information, adhering to TISAX standards ensures robust security measures that are crucial for business operations and partnerships. This guide aims to demystify the process of identifying your TISAX assessment level, linking objectives to ISA criteria, and making informed decisions that align with your organisational goals and security needs. Whether you are new to TISAX or looking to refine your current practices, this step-by-step approach will help you navigate through the complexities of TISAX certification and secure your place in the automotive supply chain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Identify Your TISAX Level
Understanding TISAX – How to Determine Your TISAX Objectives and Assessment Level (AL)
TISAX is a standard for information security in the automotive industry, helping organisations manage and protect sensitive and confidential information. Achieving the right TISAX level ensures you meet industry-specific security requirements, which is crucial for conducting business within the automotive sector.
Step 1: Familiarise Yourself with the Assessment Objectives
TISAX outlines a set of assessment objectives (listed below) covering various aspects of information security. These objectives range from general information security management to specific areas like prototype protection and compliance with data protection regulations such as the GDPR. Your first task is to review these objectives thoroughly. Understanding these will help you pinpoint the areas that are most relevant to your organisation's operations and risks.
Step 2: Link Objectives to ISA Criteria
Each TISAX assessment objective (listed below) is linked to specific criteria within the Information Security Assessment (ISA) catalogues. These catalogues contain control questions and requirements that detail what is expected from your information security practices. It's important to understand that not every criterion applies to all objectives. Identify the criteria relevant to your chosen objectives to focus your preparation efforts effectively.
Step 3: Understand How Objectives Translate into TISAX Labels
Successful assessment against your chosen objectives will earn you TISAX labels. These labels are a shorthand for the level of information security your organisation maintains. Some objectives—and thus labels—are hierarchical. Achieving a higher-level objective may automatically qualify you for related, lower-level labels, offering a clear way to communicate your security posture to partners and customers.
Step 4: Making an Informed Objective Selection
If your business partners haven't specified which objectives you need to meet, choose based on your own security posture and future aspirations. Aim for objectives that reflect your current practices and anticipate future requirements. Consider factors like the types of information you handle, your role in the automotive supply chain, and potential future partnerships. This proactive approach ensures you're not just compliant but competitively positioned.
Step 5: Match Protection Needs to Assessment Levels
TISAX categorises information according to three levels of protection needs—normal, high, and very high—with corresponding assessment levels (ALs) to match. Assess the sensitivity of the information you handle against these levels. This will guide you in enhancing your security practices to meet or exceed the necessary AL, ensuring that your handling of sensitive information is adequately secure.
Step 6: Evaluate Your Suppliers
Your TISAX assessment doesn't automatically extend to your suppliers. You'll need to evaluate your suppliers' information security practices individually, determining if they meet the requirements for conducting business with you. This step is crucial for maintaining a secure supply chain and preventing any security lapses from affecting your operations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Identifying the correct TISAX level for your organisation is a critical step in securing your operations and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Start by familiarising yourself with TISAX objectives, linking these to ISA criteria, understanding how these translate into TISAX labels, and selecting your objectives thoughtfully. Remember to align your protection needs with the appropriate assessment levels and extend your security considerations to include your suppliers.
As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that TISAX is not just a certification but a commitment to maintaining a high standard of information security that benefits your organisation, your partners, and the entire automotive supply chain.
