The Emerging Buzzword in Automotive Cybersecurity
The automotive industry is currently facing a significant wake-up call in the form of the CDK Global crisis. As a leading IT and digital marketing solutions provider to the automotive retail industry, CDK Global's recent cybersecurity breach has sent shockwaves throughout the sector, underscoring the critical importance of robust cybersecurity and data management practices. This incident has exposed vulnerabilities and highlighted the industry's urgent need to adapt and prepare for future threats. As a result, "resilience" is again required from automotive executives to find a way to survive and thrive! We are known for historically overcoming hurdles and coming out on top. This current problem, too, shall pass.
The CDK Global Crisis: A Lesson for All
The CDK Global breach has demonstrated that no organization, regardless of its size or reputation, is immune to cyber threats. The breach, which compromised sensitive data and disrupted operations across numerous dealerships, is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures. This crisis has reinforced the need for comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, rapid response, and recovery. No one is safe in a world dominated by all things digital. It happens every day to multibillion-dollar companies as well as individuals. If you think making a switch will make a difference, remember that this can happen to anyone. The more we believe in technology, the more likely we will endure this problem.
The Concept of Resilience in Cybersecurity
Automotive dealers use resilience to continue to operate their businesses by selling and servicing vehicles in any possible way. Some dealers are working on pen and paper right now. Other dealers have multiple other tools. A dealer I am working with had leads rerouted to a special email address, and BDC reps are logging into third-party portals to work their follow-up. We also incorporated an AI tool that helps stop the clock and respond effectively. This also has helped us get creative with messaging and sending out text blasts to get prospects talking with us. Yesterday, while CDK and eLead CRM were down, we sold 10 cars (on a Wednesday)! My message to car dealers is that we will get over this! This is an opportunity to wake up and understand that there should be a backup for everything we do in the dealership. This is everything from lead management to scheduling tools to banking portals and everything in between. This is all in the context of cybersecurity, which refers to an organization's ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises on its systems. For the automotive industry, this means building systems and processes that are not only designed to prevent breaches but also to ensure continuity and quick recovery when breaches do occur.
Key Components of Cyber Resilience
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The Role of Data Management
Effective data management is a cornerstone of cyber resilience. This includes:
Preparing for the Future
The CDK Global crisis is a crucial learning opportunity for the entire automotive industry. By embracing the concept of resilience, dealerships can better prepare for the unpredictable nature of cyber threats. Here are some steps dealerships can take to enhance their resilience:
Conclusion
The automotive industry's response to the CDK Global crisis will likely define its cybersecurity strategies for years. By focusing on resilience, dealerships can protect themselves against current threats and build a robust foundation for future security challenges. As the saying goes, "It's not a matter of if, but when." Preparing now will ensure that the industry is ready to withstand, recover, and thrive when the next cyber crisis hits. We at Dealer eTraining continue to operate and serve our partners with their best interests at heart. We also have relationships with solutions that can help any dealer in need with any problem. Do not be surprised if new cybersecurity vendor partners start popping up, and future automotive conferences will have a larger focus on making this the industry buzz!
Former Owner of Chrysler jeep Dodge Ram Franchise
3moA dealership can be proactive or reactive, it is less expensive to be proactive
Account Executive: Axiom Product Administration #TheFutureisAxiom #Axiomproducts
4moGreat stuff Stan Sher
Automotive
4moReally? Going out on a limb here with your prediction.
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p.s. I ship cars. VP of DEALER SUCCESS for ShipYourCarNow/President of Don Brady Consulting INC 33.4K followers
4mo😎🌴