The Real Cost of a Cybersecurity Incident: How It Can Wreck an Auto Dealership’s Reputation

Damaged Reputation

The reputation of a dealership can be shattered in an instant. Cybersecurity incidents aren’t just technical problems—they’re ticking time bombs that can destroy a dealership’s hard-earned trust and goodwill with customers. Imagine your dealership’s name plastered across headlines, not for record sales, but for a data breach. Now, try to sell a car to a … Read more

Navigating The AI Roadmap: AI Opportunities & Challenges for Car Dealerships

Artificial Intelligence

Modern car dealerships are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the competition. Enter artificial intelligence (AI) – a game-changer that offers unparalleled opportunities for dealerships to thrive in an increasingly digital auto retailing landscape. However, there is a problem – among the promises of AI lie lurking … Read more

A Secure Solution For Dealerships To Receive Customer Files

Secure File Transfer

Dealerships face challenges when it comes to securely receiving customer files. Often, employees ask customers to send files via text, email, or other unsecured methods.  This will violate the new FTC Safeguards Rule’s regulations regarding the secure transfer, storage, and restricted access of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). However, there’s an easy solution to this problem … Read more

The California Privacy Rights Act Passes – CCPA 2.0

cpra-transparent

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) passed on November 3, 2020.  This new law amends the existing California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and it significantly strengthens this legislation. One addition brought about by passage of the CPRA is the creation of a new government agency called the California Privacy Protection Agency which is “vested with … Read more

Colorado Auto & Truck Dealers’ Blueprint for Consumer Privacy

Car salesman working on computer

When Colorado’s state legislature introduced their current consumer data privacy law back in 2018, it was hailed as one of the strictest in the country. Now that assessment feels quaint, as dozens of other states have passed — or are working on — data privacy laws that equal or surpass Colorado’s in terms of toughness. 

Still, Colorado’s law — officially known as House Bill 18-1128 — places the burden of consumer privacy squarely on businesses, and opens the door to fines and lawsuits for non-compliance. 

And, unlike other state laws such as California’s CCPA, the Colorado law doesn’t make any exemptions for small businesses. 

Auto and truck dealers are especially susceptible to cyber attacks and data breaches. Dealers in Colorado should familiarize themselves with the law, ensure they are in compliance, and if not, take steps to update their cybersecurity as quickly as possible.

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When it Comes to Consumer Privacy, what are Reasonable Measures?

Reasonable Measures Blog

Requirements in recent consumer data privacy laws are causing confusion and unnecessary expense for dealers. For example, on January 1st, the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) became law. The legislation requires companies to have “reasonable security” in place to protect sensitive consumer information. However, it fails to define what these reasonable measures are. As an … Read more

Erik Nachbahr for AutoSuccess: Dealers Must Prep for “Data Privacy Revolution”

Helion’s President & Founder on the growing threat of data breaches and the importance of cybersecurity regulations Writing for Babcox Media’s AutoSuccess, Helion President & Founder Erik Nachbahr notes that data breaches are becoming more common and discusses the changing face of cyber crime.  “Many people still have an image of ‘hackers’ as teenagers in … Read more

Helion’s Erik Nachbahr for WardsAuto: “Stricter Data Rules Help”

Helion’s President & Founder explains that while new data privacy laws are challenging for dealerships, they’re long overdue. “I understand the dealer perspective,” Nachbahr writes in an article for WardsAuto. “Nobody wants to part with hundreds of thousands of dollars for what is perceived as an onerous new regulation.” But despite how truck and auto … Read more

How a Data Security Breach Could Sink Your Dealership

shipwreck underwater image

Let’s say there are only two Ford dealers in particular city, and both dealerships sell the same cars at virtually the same price. How do customers in the area choose which dealership to purchase from? As it turns out, the most likely deal-breaker in this scenario is reputation — 59% of consumers use it to … Read more