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
A recent Automotive News article detailed a cybersecurity incident involving CarGurus in which a hacking group exposed more than 1.7 million corporate records, along with over 400,000 customer email addresses, phone numbers and physical addresses in a separate CarMax-related data breach incident. According to reporting, the CarGurus data breach may include dealership account information and … 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
In Cybersecurity tools getting boost from AI, Automotive News reports that as thousands of dealers prepare for the upcoming NADA Show in Las Vegas, cybersecurity is firmly top of mind—driven by growing regulatory pressure under the FTC Safeguards Rule and the rapidly increasing sophistication of cyber threats facing dealerships. The article highlights how artificial intelligence is … 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
For years, dealership cybersecurity has lived in a familiar place: a checklist. ✔️ MFA? ✔️ Antivirus? ✔️ Security policy? Boxes checked. Everyone feels better. Back to selling cars and trucks. But the latest Mercedes-Benz USA Cyber Security Guidelines for Dealers make one thing very clear: that era is over A Not-So-Subtle Message from the OEMs … Read more