There is a significant dealership cybersecurity vulnerability that is either ignored or unnoticed by many. This is a major problem as we continue to see an increase in the frequency and severity of cyberattacks aimed at dealerships.
It’s important to remember that cybercriminals don’t care if you are large or small. Cybercriminals are opportunists. They simply look for those they can easily exploit. And, the cybercriminal knows how to determine if you have a skilled cybersecurity team and appropriate defenses in place. They also know that many dealerships are ripe fruit ready to harvest.
Today, many dealerships do not have the technical cybersecurity skills required for an effective cyber defense. For many dealerships, the lack of skilled technical cybersecurity professionals may be due to confusion about what is and isn’t “cybersecurity.” There seems to be confusion around documenting compliance for regulatory agencies and the implementation and ongoing management of technical cyber defenses. This may be the most significant cybersecurity vulnerability currently facing dealerships.
Here are 7 essential skills that are needed in a technical cybersecurity professional. Does your dealership have someone with these skills protecting your business?
Cyber Sleuthing Skills
The art of cyber sleuthing isn’t just for Hollywood hackers and private investigators. It’s about detecting anomalies and understanding the digital footprint of potential threats before they escalate. Dealerships need cyber sleuths who can navigate through data logs pinpointing suspicious activities and thwarting cyber villains while a pending attack is in its infancy.
The Malware Whisperer
Malware doesn’t knock on the door and introduce itself. It sneaks in through unassuming emails and shady websites. Dealerships need someone with the ability to recognize the faintest whispers of malware, understanding its behavior and neutralizing it before it wreaks havoc on sensitive customer information.
The Encryption Evangelist
Data encryption is like the secret code that keeps valuable information locked away from prying eyes. Yet, many dealerships treat it like an optional accessory rather than a necessity. An encryption evangelist can advocate for and implement robust encryption practices, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it’s as unreadable as hieroglyphics to the bad guys.
The Incident Response Ninja
When a cyberattack hits, it’s like the dealership is on fire. Panic ensues, and the clock is ticking. An incident response ninja is the one who remains cool-headed, executes a predefined response plan with surgical precision, and minimizes damage. They are the firefighters of the digital world, always ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice.
The Cybersecurity Culture Advocate
A secure dealership isn’t just about having the right tools and technologies; it’s about fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. This advocate educates and trains employees, turning them from potential security liabilities into the first line of defense against cyber threats. They create a mindset where security is everyone’s responsibility.
The Proactive Cyber Strategist
Staying one step ahead of cybercriminals requires constant vigilance and strategic foresight. A proactive cyber strategist keeps informed about evolving cybercrime tactics, technology changes, and new threats. They implement updates and patches promptly, ensuring that the dealership’s defenses are always up to date. By anticipating future vulnerabilities and addressing them before they become problems, they keep the dealership’s security posture strong and resilient.
The Network Architect
A well-designed network can be a fortress against cyberattacks. A network architect understands the intricacies of network segmentation, firewall configurations, and strategic design to maximize defense. They ensure that the network is robust, resilient, and capable of withstanding attacks. By implementing best practices in network architecture, they create multiple layers of security that protect against breaches and minimize the impact of any potential threats.
Does This Describe You?
While the above skills are essential, dealerships often overlook them in favor of more traditional IT roles. Here are a few reasons why:
Underestimating the Threat
Many dealerships think, “We’re not a big target.” However, cybercriminals don’t discriminate based on business size. They look for vulnerabilities, and dealerships with less sophisticated cybersecurity measures are low-hanging fruit.
Budget Constraints
Cybersecurity can seem like an expensive venture, especially for smaller dealerships. However, the cost of a breach – in terms of both money and reputation – far outweighs the investment in proper cybersecurity skills and measures.
Lack of Awareness
Often, there’s a simple lack of awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. Dealerships may not realize just how valuable and vulnerable their data is, leading to inadequate protection measures.
Today – more than ever – dealerships need to be investing in securing qualified cybersecurity talent to protect their dealership. To do this, dealerships either need to train-up their existing IT personnel to take on cybersecurity responsibilities, recruit cybersecurity talent, or outsource to a proven cybersecurity managed service provider. But doing nothing isn’t a viable option. Times have changed. So, let’s stop treating cybersecurity as an afterthought and start seeing it as the essential part of the dealership’s toolkit that it truly is.
