In Cybersecurity tools getting boost from AI, Automotive News reports that as thousands of dealers prepare for the upcoming NADA Show in Las Vegas, cybersecurity is firmly top of mind—driven by growing regulatory pressure under the FTC Safeguards Rule and the rapidly increasing sophistication of cyber threats facing dealerships.
The article highlights how artificial intelligence is becoming a central force in dealership cybersecurity, with significantly more vendors showcasing AI-driven security tools at this year’s show than in years past.
A key voice in the piece is Erik Nachbahr, President of Helion Technologies, who underscores how vendors and dealerships are increasingly focused on AI-assisted threat hunting and identity-based security. Nachbahr explains that modern cybercrime has moved well beyond simple phishing scams and now targets dealer identities, infrastructure, cloud systems, and interconnected platforms.
According to Nachbahr, AI-powered threat hunting enables security teams to actively search for subtle indicators of compromise across devices and user identities—an essential capability as attackers themselves adopt AI. He emphasizes that AI-driven defenses are now necessary to counter AI-driven attacks, particularly as cybercriminals aim to quietly compromise access rather than cause immediate disruption.
The article also notes a broader industry shift toward identity as the new security perimeter, along with technologies like phishing-resistant authentication, passwordless access, and extended detection and response (XDR), which bring multiple security signals into a single monitoring view.
While some dealers express skepticism about whether cyberattacks can ever be fully prevented—especially after high-profile DMS breaches—others emphasize the importance of stronger systems and workforce training.
Overall, the piece reinforces a clear takeaway echoed by Nachbahr: dealership cybersecurity is evolving rapidly, and AI-enabled security strategies are becoming essential—not optional—for protecting dealership operations, data, and customer trust.
