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

Safe Selling: Digital Marketing in Post-CCPA California

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The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act, and other privacy laws are making customers more aware of the value of their data.  Data breaches have always had a significant impact on dealerships’ reputations, but emerging legislation and increased media coverage have taken … Read more

The Truck and Auto Dealer’s CCPA Preparation Checklist

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Cybercrime is the fastest-growing crime in the U.S. and has sparked a consumer data privacy revolution. Laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and New York’s Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act are changing the way businesses collect, store, and share consumer information. The CCPA takes effect in January, 2020, and … Read more

Automotive News: Ransomware Is an “Escalating Problem” for Dealers

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 … 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

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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

More than Computers: Workplace Data Policies that California Dealership Teams Need for 2020

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Note: This post was created prior to the implementation of the CCPA. The law is now in effect as of January 1, 2020. Keep reading to learn more about CCPA compliance and how your dealership may be affected. Is It Time to Rethink Your Data Policy? On January 1, 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act … Read more