How to help keep your dealership protected from cyber threats.

What we’ll cover:

• Common cybersecurity threats
• Cybersecurity best practices
• Tips for protecting your dealership from cybercrimes

As a business owner, your customers are your top priority. While the internet has brought convenience and (ahem) speed to the auto industry, it has also created unique risks for you and your customers. Your dealership collects a plethora of consumer information and it’s your responsibility to protect it.

To help keep your customers’ personal details safe and secure, follow these cybersecurity best practices.

Utilize antivirus software

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that goes for digital safety too. Computer operating systems often come with built-in antivirus software, but additional software can scan your devices for viruses and malware. You can find antivirus software bundled with other useful protections, including firewalls, secure browsers, and password managers. Consider using all of these defensive tools at your disposal to help ward off security threats to your dealership.

Keep all private information stored securely

In addition to digital security, you should also safely store all physical documents. Keep your dealership’s most valuable documents in a protected spot, such as a locked safe. If thieves target your business, this approach can help prevent them from nabbing customers’ private information and sensitive business documents.

Wipe your hard drives

Equipping your business with the latest and greatest hardware is a great idea. When you update to new computers or laptops, make sure your data does not depart with the old devices. Reformatting and wiping your hard drives clean before they’re no longer in your dealership’s possession is a smart precaution to help keep your business and customer data from falling into the wrong hands.

Train your staff to be cybersecurity diligent

Human error can lead to security compromises, so educating staff about cybersecurity best practices will go a long way toward protecting your business. Ensure staff members are aware of email phishing scams and advise them to never click on suspicious links. They should also use caution when opening correspondence from unknown senders.

Keep passwords private

If your password is stolen, cybercriminals could try to use it to access your other accounts. It’s tempting to write down passwords and keep the note near your desk, but resist the urge. They could end up in the wrong hands. A safer alternative is a password manager with a digital vault. Never share your passwords with others, especially outside your company. If someone with your password falls for a phishing scam or unknowingly has malware on their browser, your information could be compromised.

Additionally, encourage all employees to be as diligent as yourself and create unique passwords for every online account.

Back up data

A ransomware attack can wipe valuable and sensitive data. Regularly perform data backups, and test restoring your backup data. You should also encrypt backups so only those who are authorized can read the data. This measure can help prevent cybercriminals from being able to read backup data without the use of a decryption key.

Fortify Wi-Fi

Keep your dealership’s wireless network secure with strong access controls, like multi-factor authentication, so only authorized users can access the network. Ideally, wireless networking equipment should be secured in locked rooms or cabinets. You may choose to offer your customers free Wi-Fi but it’s recommended that you maintain separate networks for the business and your customers. If you allow employees to use their own devices to connect to the network, ensure those devices are secured as well.

Report suspected cybercrimes

Despite your best efforts, if a cybercrime does occur, report it immediately. By doing so, you can help prevent future incidents. Here are some of the appropriate agencies and organizations to contact:

• Fraud: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Identity theft: FTC or the Social Security Administration.
• Phishing scams: National Cybersecurity Communications and Integration Center
• Suspicious text messages: Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (a centralized spam reporting service among all wireless carriers)
• Online/cyberscams: Internet Crime Complaint Center or Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

Make cybersecurity a business priority

Your dealership is only as strong as its security. Your business has a responsibility to your customers to keep private information safe. Take care to protect your business and customers with a strong cybersecurity plan.