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 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
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
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
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
In a recent Automotive News article titled “FTC publishes an FAQ for dealerships on Safeguards: Here’s what to know,” the Federal Trade Commission’s June release of a detailed FAQ is highlighted as a key resource for dealerships working to comply with the FTC Safeguards Rule. The rule—originally enacted in 2003 and updated in 2021 and … Read more
A June 26, 2025 Automotive News article revisits the devastating CDK cyberattacks that struck in mid-2024, shutting down access to dealership management systems for over 15,000 auto retailers. The breach paralyzed operations, forced dealers to revert to pen-and-paper processes, and resulted in an estimated 50,000 lost vehicle sales. Despite the $1 billion in revenue losses … Read more
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
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