The shift to remote work isn’t a passing trend—it’s the new normal. And as more dealership employees work outside the traditional office environment, they’ll need to access critical dealership data and systems from home or on the go. But with this flexibility comes responsibility, and it falls on dealership management to set clear guidelines for navigating this mobile, digital world.

Dealerships are now managing an ever-expanding network that goes beyond the office walls. Employees may be using their personal devices to connect to company systems, which increases the risk of data breaches and security vulnerabilities. So, what’s the best way to keep everything in check?

Password Best Practices

Passwords are your dealership’s first line of defense—and they should be treated like it. Employees need to follow best practices such as using complex passwords, changing them regularly, and avoiding the classic “123456”. Encourage employees to use password managers to securely store and generate unique passwords for each system or platform.

Physical Security for Devices

Whether it’s a company laptop or a personal tablet, employees should know how to physically secure their devices. This could mean locking laptops in a secure place when not in use, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and not leaving work devices unattended in public. By keeping personal and work devices separate, your team reduces the risk of data cross-contamination.

Use of Supportable Devices and Software

It’s tempting to use any available device to access work emails or systems, but employees need to stick to supportable devices and software. Unsupported systems can leave doors wide open for hackers, putting dealership data at risk. That means making sure employees are using updated devices, current software versions, and security patches. No one likes updating their software, but it’s a small step to prevent big problems.

Awareness of Threats

As employees work remotely, it’s essential they understand the types of threats that can compromise your dealership’s systems. Phishing attacks, malware, and social engineering tactics are constantly evolving, and employees are your front line of defense. Providing regular training on spotting suspicious emails, links, and attachments is crucial to protecting your data.

Dealership Leadership: Driving the Direction

It’s up to dealership management to not only provide the right tools and policies but also ensure all employees are trained and on the same page about tech best practices. With the traditional network expanding into homes and mobile devices, every employee needs to understand how to protect themselves and the dealership.