Comparing ISO 27001, SOC 2 & TISAX: Which Fits Your Security Needs?

 In today’s data-driven digital economy, information security is more than just an IT concern — it's a strategic business imperative. With cyber threats on the rise and regulations tightening worldwide, organizations are under increasing pressure to demonstrate robust security practices. Certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and TISAX help build trust with customers and partners by validating that your organization follows best practices in managing information security.

However, choosing the right standard can be challenging. While these frameworks share common goals, they differ significantly in focus, industry relevance, and certification processes. In this blog, we’ll compare ISO 27001, SOC 2, and TISAX to help you determine which is best suited for your organization’s needs.


What Is ISO 27001?

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), it is globally recognized and widely adopted across industries.

Key Highlights:

  • Focus: Holistic management of information security risks across people, processes, and technology.

  • Scope: Flexible – organizations can define their ISMS boundaries.

  • Approach: Risk-based; organizations identify their own risks and apply controls accordingly.

  • Certification: Requires a third-party audit from an accredited certification body.

Best For:

Organizations of all sizes and sectors looking for a globally recognized and comprehensive information security framework. Especially suitable for companies operating in multiple countries or serving international clients.

What Is SOC 2?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It focuses on how service providers manage data based on five Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.

SOC 2 reports come in two types:

  • Type I: Examines controls at a specific point in time.

  • Type II: Evaluates the effectiveness of controls over a period (typically 6–12 months).

Key Highlights:

  • Focus: Demonstrates how your systems are protected and managed to ensure data integrity.

  • Scope: Defined by the Trust Services Criteria selected.

  • Approach: Auditing standard – not a management system like ISO 27001.

  • Certification: Issued by licensed CPA firms through an attestation report.

Best For:

Technology and SaaS companies, especially those serving clients in North America who require evidence of data security practices through formal audit reports.

What Is TISAX?

TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a European information security standard developed by the ENX Association, based on ISO/IEC 27001 principles but tailored to the automotive industry.

It enables secure data exchange and consistent security evaluations between automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

Key Highlights:

  • Focus: Information security, prototype protection, and data privacy in the automotive supply chain.

  • Scope: Industry-specific (automotive).

  • Approach: Assessment and mutual recognition through the TISAX platform.

  • Certification: Assessment by an approved audit provider with results shared through the TISAX portal.

Best For:

Automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers operating within the European automotive ecosystem or working with German OEMs like Volkswagen, BMW, or Daimler.

ISO 27001 vs SOC 2 vs TISAX – Key Differences

FeatureISO 27001SOC 2TISAX
OriginInternational (ISO/IEC)U.S. (AICPA)Europe (ENX Association)
TypeManagement StandardAudit/Attestation StandardIndustry-specific Assessment
IndustryAll industriesTech, SaaS, service providersAutomotive
ScopeCustomizable ISMSTrust Criteria-basedAutomotive-specific controls
Certification BodyAccredited ISO certifiersCPA firmsTISAX-approved auditors
Global RecognitionHighModerate (mostly U.S.)Niche (EU automotive)
Validity3 years with surveillance audits1 year3 years (usually)
Customer ExpectationBroad global clientsU.S. enterprise clientsAutomotive OEMs

How to Choose the Right Framework

Choosing between ISO 27001, SOC 2, and TISAX depends on several factors, including your industry, geographic location, customer expectations, and internal security maturity.

1. Consider Your Target Market

  • If your clients are primarily in the U.S., especially in tech or finance, they may explicitly ask for SOC 2 reports.

  • For global clients, particularly in Europe or Asia, ISO 27001 is often preferred due to its international recognition.

  • If you work with automotive OEMs, particularly in Germany, TISAX might be non-negotiable.

2. Understand Your Business Model

  • SaaS and cloud-based businesses benefit more from SOC 2, which directly audits systems impacting service delivery.

  • Enterprises with complex, organization-wide security needs should opt for ISO 27001 to structure and mature their ISMS.

  • Automotive suppliers should align with TISAX due to industry-specific requirements like prototype protection.

3. Evaluate Your Internal Capabilities

  • ISO 27001 requires developing and maintaining an ISMS, including documented policies, risk assessments, internal audits, and management reviews.

  • SOC 2 is more about proving you are already doing what you claim – it requires strong documentation and consistent operational controls.

  • TISAX has a narrower scope but demands compliance with industry expectations around security and confidentiality.

Can You Implement More Than One?

Absolutely. Many companies pursue ISO 27001 and SOC 2 simultaneously or sequentially, as they complement each other:

  • ISO 27001 builds the internal governance structure.

  • SOC 2 provides an external audit report that clients can review.

Similarly, companies in the automotive space often align their ISMS with ISO 27001 and then undergo a TISAX assessment for industry recognition.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to information security certifications. ISO 27001, SOC 2, and TISAX each bring unique value and cater to different needs:

  • Choose ISO 27001 for global recognition and structured ISMS.

  • Choose SOC 2 for U.S. market trust and client assurance.

  • Choose TISAX for automotive industry compliance in Europe.



The right choice depends on your strategic goals, your customer base, and your industry’s expectations.

I have read the blog on the NovelVista website, which gives this information in detail. It clearly explains the differences between ISO 27001, SOC 2, and TISAX, helping readers decide which framework suits their organization best.

Ready to secure your future? Explore our certification training programs today.

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