The Evolving Automotive Industry and Data Security
The automotive industry has expanded beyond traditional car manufacturers to include new companies from various sectors, fostering innovation and demanding new security standards. According to BSI (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik), this shift has led to the creation of TISAX (Trusted Information Security Exchange for Automotive) by the German Association of the Automotive Industry.
TISAX: A Unified Security Standard for the Automotive Industry
TISAX establishes a common framework for evaluating and sharing security results between automotive manufacturers and suppliers, based on the ISO 27001 standard but tailored to the industry’s specific needs. The primary goal is to minimize redundant audits and enhance trust to ensure the protection of critical data, such as prototypes, intellectual property, and technical information, throughout the entire value chain.
Importance of Data Protection in the Automotive Industry
BSI emphasizes that the daily operations of the automotive industry rely on continuous information exchange between manufacturers and suppliers. This exchange involves plans, prototypes, customer data, software, logistical processes, and more, passing through multiple parties before becoming a finished vehicle. Consequently, the sector has recognized information protection as a shared responsibility rather than an isolated duty.
Global Reach of Data Protection Standards
BSI reports that there are over 17,500 audited sites across more than 90 countries and approximately 3,000 active organizations adhering to these standards. Although often associated with major car manufacturers, TISAX now involves software, electronics manufacturing, logistics, cloud services, and industrial design companies integrated into production chains where information constantly circulates.
Expert Insights on TISAX
Leonardo García, an expert in information security management systems, explains that “TISAX is a trust chain initiated by the German automotive association; this is where the story began.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is TISAX? TISAX (Trusted Information Security Exchange for Automotive) is a unified security standard created by the German Association of the Automotive Industry to evaluate and share security results between manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive industry.
- Why is TISAX important? TISAX aims to minimize redundant audits, enhance trust, and ensure the protection of critical data such as prototypes, intellectual property, and technical information throughout the entire automotive value chain.
- Who is involved in TISAX? Although traditionally linked to major car manufacturers, TISAX now includes software, electronics manufacturing, logistics, cloud services, and industrial design companies integrated into production chains where information constantly circulates.
- How many organizations are part of TISAX? There are approximately 3,000 active organizations adhering to TISAX standards across more than 17,500 audited sites in over 90 countries.
