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

Creating A Human Firewall: Protecting Data

Human Firewall

To effectively protect your dealership from the cybercriminal, every employee must play a role.  One of the most effective tactics within a comprehensive information security program is to fortify your defenses by creating a human firewall.   The development of a human firewall is accomplished through an effective employee cybersecurity awareness training program.  Such a program … Read more

The Critical Role of Data Encryption Keys in Cybersecurity

data encryption

Safeguarding consumer information has become paramount. With the rise of government data security regulations and the increasing incidence and severity of cybercrime, businesses are scrambling to improve their cyber defenses.  An essential part of a comprehensive information security program is data encryption.  However, the effectiveness of data encryption hinges on a factor often overlooked – … 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

Firewall & Antivirus Software Isn’t Enough

cartoon-criminal-face

Many dealerships are under the impression that simply having a firewall and antivirus software deployed is a solid cyber defense – they’re incorrect.  Cybercrime is now big, big business and it’s rare that the cybercriminal is ever caught and prosecuted.  As a result, cybercrime has attracted highly sophisticated and well-funded criminals into this lucrative industry.  … 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

Cybersecurity, Productivity And Customer Loyalty All Having Something In Common – Technology

Tech is mission critical

Coronavirus has heightened our need to rethink and retool the way we operate our businesses.    The reality is that things are very different – and they are unlikely to ever return to the way they were in the past.    We can either do something about our new reality or we can stick our heads in … 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