Why Maryland’s New Data Privacy Law Matters for Dealers Everywhere

Maryland Online Data Privacy Act

The Maryland Online Data Privacy Act (MODPA) became law in 2024, and it goes into effect on October 1, 2025. Even if your dealership isn’t in Maryland, this law is worth watching—because it’s part of a bigger trend: states across the country are rolling out their own rules for how businesses collect, use, and protect … Read more

Cybersecurity Alert for Dealerships: Beware of Growing ClickFix Attacks

cybersecurity alert for dealerships

Cybersecurity Alert for Dealerships Auto dealerships are increasingly becoming targets of a dangerous new cyberattack method called ClickFix—and it’s spreading fast. Reports show that ClickFix attacks grew more than 500% in the first half of 2025, and dealerships across the U.S. are already getting hit. So what is ClickFix—and why should dealers care? What is … Read more

Why Dealership IT, Cybersecurity, and Compliance Must Work Together

breaking down silos

For most, dealership IT, cybersecurity, and compliance operate in separate silos. Dealership IT keeps systems running, cybersecurity tries to defend them, and compliance checks boxes—often without real integration. The result? Gaps, vulnerabilities, and a false sense of security. In today’s environment, this siloed approach is no longer acceptable. Dealers face growing threats, stricter regulations, and … Read more

With Cybersecurity, The Devil Is In The Details

cybersecurity - devil in the details

Let’s face it—no one ever said “You know what sounds fun? A deep dive into FTC cybersecurity compliance requirements.” But here we are, because like it or not, the success and survival of your dealership depend on more than just your sales team and service bay. Your cyber defense—and your ability to comply with the … Read more

Your Dealership’s Cyber Defense is Stuck in 2000 — Here’s How to Fix It

windows 2000

If your dealership’s cybersecurity plan still revolves around scanning for patches and calling it a day, you’ve got a problem. A big one. Your dealership’s cyber defense is stuck in 2000, and that just doesn’t cut it anymore. The truth is, the way we defend our businesses from cyberattacks has completely changed — but many … Read more

Still Not Taking Cybersecurity Seriously? The CDK Hackers Just Proved You Haven’t Learned a Thing

Cybercriminal Strikes Again

It’s been nearly a year since the devastating CDK Global cyberattack brought operations at thousands of dealerships to a halt—and yet, here we are again. Same criminal group. Same playbook. Different victim.  The CDK Hackers just proved you haven’t learned a thing. In late April 2025, Branhaven Motors Inc., a Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram dealership in Branford, Connecticut, … Read more

Are Your IT and Cybersecurity Teams Running The Show? (Hint: They Shouldn’t Be)

8 Questions Every Dealership Manager Should Ask Their IT and Cyber Teams

If you’re a dealership manager without an IT background, you’re not alone—and you’re not off the hook either. You don’t need to know how to configure a firewall or install an endpoint agent, but you do need to know whether your IT and cybersecurity teams are doing their jobs. Why? Because if they aren’t, you’re … Read more

How To Get More Favorable Cyber Insurance Terms & Premiums – What Smart Dealers Need To Know

Better cyber insurance terms & premiums

In today’s uncertain economy, dealership executives are under pressure to reduce costs wherever possible. One of the smartest ways to get more favorable cyber insurance terms & premiums is with stronger cybersecurity—a strategy that’s gaining momentum across the auto retail industry. As cyber liability insurance premiums rise in response to growing threats, underwriters are rewarding … Read more

How Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty Are Increasing Cybersecurity Risks for Car Dealerships

Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty Are Increasing Cybersecurity Risks for Car Dealerships

Economic Chaos = Cyber Risk: Why It’s Time to Rethink How You Defend Your Dealership At first glance, President Trump’s proposed tariffs and the mounting trade tensions might seem like issues for politicians and economists to wrangle with. But if you manage a car dealership, how tariffs and economic uncertainty are increasing cybersecurity risks for … Read more