In a recent Automotive News article titled “FTC publishes an FAQ for dealerships on Safeguards: Here’s what to know,” the Federal Trade Commission’s June release of a detailed FAQ is highlighted as a key resource for dealerships working to comply with the FTC Safeguards Rule. The rule—originally enacted in 2003 and updated in 2021 and 2023—requires dealerships to maintain a comprehensive information security program. While the FAQ doesn’t introduce new regulations, it provides practical guidance and clear examples to help dealerships meet compliance standards. Cybersecurity expert Erik Nachbahr of Helion Technologies notes the FTC’s ongoing attention signals that compliance with the FTC Safeguards Rule must be an active, ongoing effort—not a one-time checklist.
Automotive News: FAQ published on Dealership FTC Safeguards
About the author
Erik Nachbahr
Founder & President, Helion Technologies
Erik Nachbahr founded Helion Technologies in 1997 and has spent nearly 30 years working exclusively with automotive and heavy truck dealerships. Helion now supports more than 2,000 dealerships and 35,000 end users with managed IT, cybersecurity, FTC Safeguards compliance, Tekion enablement, and managed AI, all under one team. A CISSP, Erik writes and speaks about the parts of dealership technology most operators inherit rather than choose: vendor sprawl, AI governance, and cyber risk. His goal is simple: make the technology work so dealerships can focus on what they do best, selling and servicing cars and heavy trucks.
Confidence in your current setup and actual protection aren't always the same thing. The only way to know which one you have is to look.
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