ISO 27001 vs. TISAX®: Which Standard Fits Your Company?
In an increasingly interconnected and digitalized world, protecting sensitive information is becoming more essential than ever. Many companies must implement information security measures due to regulatory, contractual, or customer requirements.
Two major standards play a key role in this context: ISO 27001 and TISAX®. Both aim to establish strong information security management systems (ISMS) – but they differ significantly in purpose, scope, and industry focus.
ISO 27001 is international and cross-industry, while TISAX® is specifically designed for the automotive sector.
This guide helps you understand the differences and decide which standard suits your organization.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It defines requirements for:
establishing
implementing
monitoring
continuously improving
a systematic information security framework.
Core principles
Risk-based approach: identify risks, evaluate them, implement targeted controls
Technical & organizational measures
Continuous improvement (PDCA cycle)
ISO 27001 is suitable for any industry and any company size. Certification is issued by accredited bodies and recognized worldwide.
Benefits
Higher trust with customers & partners
Stronger internal security structures
Competitive advantage—especially for international business
What is TISAX®?
TISAX® (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an automotive industry-specific standard. Developed by ENX and based on VDA ISA, it is tailored to organizations that work with automotive OEMs or suppliers.
Key characteristics
Based on ISO 27001, but extends it with industry-specific requirements
Focus on prototype protection, GDPR compliance, supplier processes, physical security
No certificate, but TISAX® assessment results shared via the ENX portal
Required by many OEMs (Audi, BMW, VW, Porsche, etc.)
TISAX® is essential for companies handling development data, prototypes, or confidential partner information.
Key Differences Between ISO 27001 and TISAX®
1. Scope & applicability
ISO 27001 → global, cross-industry, all company sizes
TISAX® → exclusive focus on the automotive sector
2. Certification method
ISO 27001: formal certification by an accredited body
TISAX®: assessment by authorized audit providers, results published in ENX portal
3. Requirements
TISAX® includes additional automotive-specific requirements, such as:
Prototype & model protection
Stricter physical security
GDPR-specific controls
Supplier-related requirements
4. Assessment approach
ISO 27001: no maturity levels, continuous improvement
TISAX®: graded assessment (Level 1–3) depending on sensitivity of information
Which Certification Is Right for Your Company?
Choose ISO 27001 if your company:
operates across industries
is international or wants global recognition
needs a structured, risk-based ISMS
wants to strengthen customer and regulatory trust
ISO 27001 is ideal for IT, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, and more.
Choose TISAX® if your company:
works with automotive OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers
handles development data, prototypes, or confidential automotive information
must comply with VDA requirements
wants to support or expand partnerships in the automotive sector
TISAX® is often mandatory for automotive collaboration.
Combined approach
Many organizations implement both:
ISO 27001 as a universal ISMS framework
TISAX® as an add-on for automotive requirements
Conclusion
Both ISO 27001 and TISAX® help companies build structured, verifiable information security processes – but with different goals.
ISO 27001 is flexible, globally recognized, and industry-agnostic.
TISAX® is targeted, automotive-specific, and often a requirement for OEM collaboration.
The right choice depends on your industry, customers, and strategic goals. For many companies, combining both standards delivers the strongest results.
FAQ
What is the difference between ISO 27001 and TISAX®?
ISO 27001 is an international, cross-industry ISMS standard. TISAX® is an automotive-specific assessment based on VDA ISA with additional requirements like prototype protection.
Who is ISO 27001 suitable for?
For any organization seeking a structured, certifiable ISMS—nationally or internationally.
When is TISAX® mandatory?
When working with automotive OEMs or suppliers. Many OEMs require a valid TISAX® assessment.
Can a company implement both ISO 27001 and TISAX®?
Yes. ISO 27001 as the general ISMS framework, TISAX® as the automotive extension.
How does certification differ?
ISO 27001 ends with a formal certificate. TISAX® provides an assessment result published in the ENX portal for authorized partner access.
Srdan Manasijevic
CEO
Expert in information security, data protection and risk management with extensive experience advising enterprises and public-sector organizations. Specialized in ISO 27001, BSI and advanced risk methodologies.
