TISAX Consulting Services – Automotive Information Security Assessment Support

If you supply to the automotive industry, you’ve likely been asked:

“Are you TISAX assessed?”

TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is the automotive industry’s standardized information security assessment mechanism, governed by the ENX Association and based on the VDA ISA catalog.

At Wintersmith Advisory, we help automotive suppliers achieve TISAX assessment readiness efficiently and without overengineering the system.

What Is TISAX?

TISAX is not a certification like ISO 27001.
It is a standardized assessment process recognized by major automotive OEMs including:

  • Volkswagen Group

  • BMW Group

  • Daimler

  • Porsche

  • Audi

  • And other global manufacturers

The assessment is conducted by ENX-approved assessment providers and results are shared through the ENX portal.

TISAX is built on the VDA ISA (Information Security Assessment) catalog, which evaluates:

  • Information security controls

  • Prototype protection

  • Data protection and privacy

  • Supplier information security maturity

Who Needs TISAX?

You may require TISAX if you:

  • Provide components or software to automotive OEMs

  • Handle confidential OEM drawings or technical data

  • Process prototype information

  • Access development or production networks

  • Store or process sensitive supplier data

  • Have contractual TISAX requirements in your supplier agreements

TISAX is often mandatory for Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.

TISAX Assessment Levels

TISAX defines different Assessment Levels (AL):

AL1 – Self-Assessment

Used for lower-risk information scenarios.

AL2 – Plausibility Check

Common for most suppliers handling confidential information.

AL3 – High Availability & Critical Systems

Required when handling highly sensitive data or critical prototype environments.

Most OEM requests require AL2 or AL3.

Our TISAX Consulting Approach

We support you through the full lifecycle — from scoping to ENX portal registration and assessment preparation.

1. Gap Assessment (VDA ISA-Based)

  • Review current ISMS controls

  • Evaluate security maturity

  • Identify control deficiencies

  • Deliver remediation roadmap

2. Implementation & Remediation

  • Develop or update ISMS documentation

  • Strengthen access control and network security

  • Establish risk management processes

  • Implement incident response procedures

  • Align HR security and supplier controls

3. ENX Portal & Scope Definition

  • Define assessment scope

  • Determine correct assessment level

  • Support ENX portal registration

  • Coordinate with approved assessment providers

4. Internal Audit & Pre-Assessment

  • Conduct mock assessment

  • Validate objective evidence

  • Identify remaining gaps

  • Prepare leadership and IT teams

TISAX vs ISO 27001

Many organizations ask whether ISO 27001 is enough.

While ISO 27001 provides a strong foundation, TISAX:

  • Uses the VDA ISA control structure

  • Has automotive-specific maturity expectations

  • Requires ENX-recognized assessment providers

  • Includes prototype protection modules

If you already have ISO 27001, TISAX implementation is significantly easier — but still requires alignment.

Common TISAX Gaps We Identify

  • Incomplete risk documentation

  • Weak supplier security controls

  • Insufficient evidence of control effectiveness

  • Lack of formal prototype handling procedures

  • Gaps in network segmentation

  • No structured vulnerability management program

We close these gaps with practical, auditable controls.

Benefits of TISAX Assessment

Achieving TISAX assessment readiness provides:

  • Eligibility to supply major automotive OEMs

  • Reduced customer security questionnaires

  • Stronger cybersecurity posture

  • Competitive advantage in automotive bids

  • Improved internal risk governance

For many suppliers, TISAX is not optional — it is a market access requirement.

Why Work With Wintersmith Advisory?

We specialize in structured management systems and risk frameworks.

Our background in:

  • ISO 27001

  • Enterprise risk management

  • Automotive supplier compliance

  • Regulatory system integration

allows us to build TISAX-aligned systems that are:

✔ Practical
✔ Evidence-driven
✔ Efficient
✔ Integrated into your existing management system

We don’t just help you pass the assessment — we help you build a defensible security framework.

Start Your TISAX Journey

Whether you need:

  • A VDA ISA gap assessment

  • Full TISAX implementation

  • ENX portal guidance

  • AL2 or AL3 preparation

  • Pre-assessment audit support

We can structure a clear roadmap and guide you through the process.

TISAX enables automotive trust.
We help you earn it.

Contact us.

info@wintersmithadvisory.com
(801) 558-3928