Most dealership leaders we speak with feel pretty good about their dealership cybersecurity. And that’s understandable. You’ve invested in tools. Firewalls are in place. Endpoint protection is deployed. Maybe there’s MFA, email security, and even advanced solutions layered in. From a distance, it looks like a strong defense. But that confidence… is often misplaced. Because … Read more
If you think cybersecurity threats targeting dealerships are already intense… brace yourself. A recent report highlighted a critical shift in the threat landscape: AI isn’t just making cyberattacks more sophisticated—it’s making them more frequent, more accessible, and dramatically more scalable. And that changes everything for dealership cybersecurity. The Real AI Threat: Volume, Not Complexity When … Read more
Most executives understand that dealership cybersecurity compliance is important. You’ve likely invested in tools, policies, and maybe even completed an audit or two. On paper, everything looks good. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: many dealerships are approaching dealership cybersecurity in a way that looks right—but leaves them exposed. The Problem: Compliance Has Become the Goal … Read more
Why Dealership Cybersecurity Requires a Risk-Based Approach Auto and truck dealerships rely heavily on technology and dealership cybersecurity to run their operations. Dealer Management Systems (DMS), CRM platforms, lender integrations, digital retail tools, and growing use of AI all rely on sensitive data and interconnected systems. At the same time, regulations such as the FTC … Read more
If 2024 was the year of AI curiosity and 2025 was the year of experimentation, many industry observers believe 2026 may become the first true operations year for dealerships using AI. Conversations across the industry point to full AI integration moving from “nice to have” to “strategic priority.” And it makes sense. Dealerships using AI … Read more
Buying a dealership is exciting. New rooftops. New markets. New revenue opportunities. But from a dealership cybersecurity perspective, it’s also one of the most vulnerable moments in your organization’s lifecycle. Cybercriminals know it. And they plan around it. When a dealership acquires another store, leadership attention shifts to contracts, financing, staffing, and system integration. Meanwhile, … Read more
Running dealership IT today is far more complex than it was even a few years ago. Between keeping systems running, supporting employees, meeting compliance requirements, and defending against constantly evolving cyber threats, internal IT teams are under more pressure than ever. Not sure which model fits your stores? Compare in-house, managed and co-managed IT. That’s … Read more
Changing DMS. Rolling out a new CRM. Migrating email, networks, or core business systems. From a business perspective, these are all good problems to have. They signal growth, modernization, and an investment in efficiency. But there’s a less exciting side effect that often doesn’t get enough attention: Major technology changes quietly increase cybersecurity risk. Not … Read more
Dealerships using AI are responding faster to customers, booking more appointments, and handling more work with fewer people. From AI-powered chat on your website to voice bots answering phones after hours, artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of how auto and truck dealerships compete. The opportunity is huge—but so is the responsibility, because every new … Read more