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