SK Hynix, First in Memory Industry to Obtain Global Automotive Industry Information Security Certification 'TISAX'

TISAX Certification Completed for Domestic Sites
Meets Global Automotive Industry Security Standards
"Leading the Automotive Memory Semiconductor Market"

SK Hynix announced on the 6th that it has become the first company in the memory industry to obtain the global automotive industry information security certification 'TISAX'.

SK Hynix Icheon M16 exterior. Photo by SK Hynix

TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is a global information security certification system operated by the European Network Exchange Association (ENX), based on evaluation criteria created by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). It was established to standardize information security between companies within the automotive industry supply chain.

SK Hynix stated, "All domestic business sites located in Icheon and Bundang, Gyeonggi-do, and Cheongju, Chungbuk have received TISAX certification, gaining international recognition for the security capabilities required by the global automotive industry." The company added, "We will accelerate the development of high-performance memory solutions essential for realizing future automotive technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI)."

Recently, the global automotive industry has seen a rapid increase in the proportion of electronic components due to the expansion of the electric vehicle market and advancements in autonomous driving and connected car technologies. A connected car refers to a vehicle that communicates in real-time with other vehicles, traffic, and communication infrastructure to assist driver convenience and traffic safety, as well as provide various internet services. Electronic components refer to all electrical and electronic equipment installed in vehicles.

In response to these market changes, automotive semiconductors are gaining attention as key components of the future mobility industry. In particular, automotive semiconductors are applied to automotive safety systems such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), brake systems, and engine control, requiring a higher level of reliability than general semiconductors. With the recent increase in hacking and malware attacks targeting automobiles, systematic security management during the manufacturing process, as well as semiconductor performance itself, has become increasingly emphasized.

Amid this, SK Hynix secured the TISAX certification through verification by a professional institution, meeting the essential requirements presented by global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. The company expects that sharing the certification results with various partners will minimize redundant costs and aid in pursuing long-term business with collaborators.

Kim Jong-hwan, Vice President of SK Hynix (in charge of DRAM development), said, "With this certification acquisition as a milestone, we will further strengthen cooperation with global automotive manufacturers and major parts suppliers." He added, "Based on a thorough security system, we will build trust with customers and lead the next-generation automotive memory semiconductor market."