Internal TISAX® Auditors

Organizations operating within the automotive industry are increasingly expected to demonstrate that appropriate information security measures have been implemented to protect sensitive information throughout the supply chain. As TISAX® has become a widely adopted assessment mechanism across the sector, organizations must ensure that their Information Security Management System (ISMS), processes, and controls meet the applicable requirements before undergoing a formal assessment.

SQS has a team of independent Internal TISAX® Auditors that enable organizations to evaluate their level of readiness against the applicable TISAX® Assessment Objectives. Acting as an independent internal auditor, we assess the effectiveness of implemented controls, identify compliance gaps, and provide practical recommendations that help organizations prepare efficiently for the official TISAX® assessment performed by an accredited TISAX® Assessment Provider.

What is TISAX®?

TISAX® (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is the information security assessment and exchange mechanism developed specifically for the automotive industry. It is based on the VDA Information Security Assessment (ISA) catalogue and governed by the ENX Association, providing a standardized framework for evaluating information security across the automotive supply chain.

The TISAX® framework enables organizations to demonstrate that appropriate measures have been implemented to protect confidential information, prototypes, personal data, and other business-critical assets. Today, many OEMs, Tier suppliers, engineering companies and service providers require their partners to successfully complete a TISAX® assessment as part of their supplier qualification process.

Internal TISAX® Readiness Assessment

An Internal TISAX® Audit provides organizations with an independent evaluation of their readiness prior to the formal assessment. The objective is to determine the degree of compliance with the applicable TISAX® Assessment Objectives, identify areas requiring improvement, and support the implementation of corrective actions before the official assessment takes place.

For many organizations, maintaining in-house expertise in the TISAX® framework and the VDA ISA catalogue can be challenging. SQS acts as an independent internal auditor, providing the technical expertise and objective perspective needed to evaluate the organization’s level of preparedness before the official assessment. This independent review enables management to understand the current level of compliance, prioritize remediation activities, and approach the formal assessment with greater confidence.

Depending on the agreed scope and assessment level, the audit includes the evaluation of documented policies and procedures, governance processes, organizational and technical controls, supporting evidence, and the effectiveness of the Information Security Management System. The assessment also considers the maturity of existing practices and the organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with the applicable TISAX® requirements.

The outcome provides management with a clear understanding of the organization’s current level of readiness together with practical recommendations to strengthen its information security posture and facilitate the formal assessment process.

Internal Audit Methodology

Our Internal TISAX® Audits are performed using a structured, risk-based methodology aligned with the TISAX® framework and the VDA ISA catalogue.

The assessment typically includes:

• Definition of the audit scope and applicable TISAX® Assessment Objectives.
• Review of policies, procedures and supporting documentation.
• Evaluation of implemented organizational and technical controls.
• Assessment of evidence demonstrating compliance with the applicable requirements.
• Interviews with relevant stakeholders where required.
• Identification of findings, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Preparation of practical recommendations and prioritized corrective actions.

The audit approach is tailored to the organization’s size, complexity and business environment while maintaining consistency with the requirements of the TISAX® framework.

Qualified Internal Audit Professionals

Our Internal TISAX® Audits are conducted by qualified professionals with extensive experience in information security management systems, governance, risk management and audit methodologies. Our specialists possess in-depth knowledge of the TISAX® framework, the VDA ISA catalogue and the information security expectations of the automotive sector.

By combining technical expertise with practical audit experience, SQS provides organizations with an independent internal audit function that complements their own internal resources. Our assessments deliver realistic, risk-based recommendations while helping organizations improve their level of preparedness before the official TISAX® assessment.

Internal Audit Deliverables

Following the completion of the assessment, organizations receive a detailed audit report including:

• Executive summary.
• Assessment scope and applicable TISAX® Assessment Objectives.
• Evaluation of compliance with the applicable requirements.
• Identified findings and opportunities for improvement.
• Non-conformities and associated risks.
• Prioritized recommendations and proposed corrective actions.
• Overall assessment of the organization’s readiness.

The Internal Audit Report provides an objective evaluation of the organization’s current level of preparedness and serves as a practical roadmap for implementing corrective actions before engaging an accredited TISAX® Assessment Provider.

Benefits of an Internal TISAX® Audit