Attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and many dealerships are vulnerable.
Arrigo Automotive Group is one of many auto dealerships that have been targeted by ransomware in recent months, Lindsay VanHulle reports in Automotive News.
In early December 2019, an unsuspecting employee opened a phishing email, launching a successful ransomware attack that halted business for several days. No employee or customer data was accessed, but the attack has already cost the South Florida dealership more than $250,000.
Helion President & Founder Erik Nachbahr tells Automotive News that ransomware should be a serious concern for dealerships. He says Helion is “contacted about a successful dealership ransomware invasion about once a month.”
Nachbahr further explains that many dealerships fail to properly invest in their IT security, viewing it “as an expense to be controlled” — a misguided attitude that can leave systems vulnerable to ransomware.