There’s a lot that goes into implementing and maintaining an effective cyber defense. But there is one key element that rises to the top from an effectiveness standpoint – continuous threat monitoring. There is nothing that you can do to mitigate the impact of a cyberattack that is more effective than continuous threat monitoring.
We must remember that the cybercriminal is extremely sophisticated, and they have the best tools at their disposal. These criminals have deep pockets and are often government sponsored criminal organizations located in foreign countries. The cybercriminal gets up in the morning and goes to sleep at night scheming about new ways to steal from you. This is not a kid in a hoodie.
You, on the other hand, most likely spend your time focusing on how to sell and service more cars and trucks. You don’t live and breathe cybersecurity – nor should you. But effectively defending your data, finances and reputation requires that you implement a set of cybersecurity best practices. Keep in mind, that today’s cybersecurity best practices might not be the same tomorrow. Best practices regularly evolve to keep pace with the cybercriminal.
Today, continuous threat monitoring is considered one of – if not the most – effective means of cyber defense. Continuous threat monitoring combines a set of advanced cybersecurity technology with a team of human cybersecurity experts. This team of experts makes up what is called a Security Operations Center (SOC). The SOC stands guard looking for indicators of suspicious behavior 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
No matter what you do – whether it’s training your employees how to avoid a phishing scam or implementing firewalls and antivirus software – eventually the cybercriminal will penetrate your network. The only way for you to avoid catastrophe once the cybercriminal enters your network is to quickly identify the presence of the cybercriminal, swiftly halt the attack, and promptly clean all malicious software from your network. This can only be done with continuous threat monitoring.
Because of the effectiveness of continuous threat monitoring, the FTC prefers its use in complying with the new Safeguards Rule. Therefore, the FTC Safeguards Rule states that absent effective continuous monitoring organizations shall conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments are required only when continuous monitoring is not in place.
Since continuous threat monitoring is all day, every day it is more effective at stopping a cyberattack than penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. Penetration testing and vulnerability assessments are just a snapshot in time. If your dealership is experiencing a cyberattack today, then a penetration test in a couple of months isn’t going to help you.
To best protect your dealership – and comply with consumer privacy regulations – arm yourself with continuous threat monitoring. It is a dealership’s best cyber defense.