Did the recent CDK Global cyberattack that caused major revenue losses to car dealerships nationwide affect you? This incident involving the widely used DMS (dealer management system) not only halted the automotive industry, impacting around 15,000 companies, but collectively cost dealerships millions. How can you be confident in your cybersecurity moving forward? Read on as we cover what went wrong, how to implement cybersecurity strategies at your dealership, and how to be prepared.

The CDK cybersecurity attack—What went wrong

The CDK Global uproar disrupted the automotive industry, a sector that sells more than 50 million vehicles yearly. This case emphasizes the role of dealership cybersecurity protection, particularly since small businesses are commonly the target of malicious cyberthreats.

This vulnerability that US car dealers faced was a result of poor cybersecurity strategies. Phishing, ransomware, data theft, and malicious data encryption are real issues that require security and due diligence. Otherwise, you can kiss leads and existing customers goodbye.

With proactive planning and implementation, cybersecurity protects and diverts a crisis vs. being controlled by it and having to close your doors for weeks on end. Does your dealership have the highest level of protection to defend against this threat landscape?

Implementing cybersecurity strategies

Protecting your dealership from all angles is essential, and it starts with a robust cybersecurity plan. You can prevent hackers by using firewalls, detection systems, and endpoint and email security software. Performing regular audits of your security systems ensures that you can rely on the protective measures you have implemented.

As for employees, especially any green pea of the group, proper training is a must. Does everyone in your team know the potential and imminent threats concerning your IT systems? Knowledge of cyberattacks and good cybersecurity habits can go a long way in securing your company. It’s worth the time and resources to educate your team.

How to be Prepared

Most of the time, attacks happen because a business isn’t prepared enough. Focusing on sales, floor, inventory, finance and insurance (F&I), the service lane, and other aspects of the business is necessary. However, you must also not forget your dealership’s IT arm, which is crucial as the automotive industry becomes more and more digitized.

It’s essential that you have a cybersecurity strategy implemented, thorough cybersecurity insurance coverage, and a documented and tested incident response and recovery plan. Regular data backups and recovery strategies help you minimize damage should an issue like CDK Global cyberattack happen to your dealership. Are you confident in your plan?

Placing your trust in an MSP

The day-to-day tasks can pile up quickly at a dealership leaving little time for critical security measures to be implemented. A dedicated IT partner can shoulder your cybersecurity to-dos like a master mechanic does for your repair shop.

Spera Partners is an IT managed services provider (MSP) who understands the operations of a car dealership. We can help mitigate your cybersecurity risks and provide the infrastructure needed to not only run your operations efficiently but integrate all aspects of your IT to work for your business – not slow it down. From ensuring a redundant internet, to securing networking equipment, and offering value-added expertise in phone and paging systems or security cameras for your lot and Pod area, we understand what you need to keep running.

Without cybersecurity systems in place, the DMS mishap can happen at any moment, leaving your business vulnerable. Wouldn’t you prefer the peace of mind that comes with prevention rather than the panic of reacting regarding cyberthreat issues?

With Spera Partners, you can expect proactive strategies to prevent attacks and a tested and documented incident response to reduce the impact to your company. Book a meeting with our President, Brian Hess, to talk about the services that boost your cybersecurity. Or, request a complimentary consultation here.

In this industry, going all out on IT is the way to move forward from your four-square to closing. Make the best decision for your company and partner with us today!

Spera Partners
Managed IT. Peace of mind, redefined.

For more information on our cybersecurity solutions: https://sperapartners.com/cybersecurity/

For more blogs on cybersecurity: https://sperapartners.com/category/cybersecurity-campaigns/