Access control is one of the most important parts of cybersecurity. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most overlooked.

Stolen passwords, compromised employee accounts, or reused credentials can give attackers the access they need to move quietly through your systems. Once inside, they can gather sensitive data, impersonate employees, or deploy ransomware before anyone realizes what’s happening.

Think about how much information flows through your dealership every day. Customer records, credit applications, vendor payments, payroll data, and internal communications all move through your systems constantly. If employees have access to more information than they actually need, the potential damage from a compromised account grows dramatically. 

Consider Your Controls

It’s worth taking a moment to evaluate how your dealership handles access. Thinking through these questions can reveal where your dealership might be leaving gaps, and where attackers could exploit them. If you want to get a quick sense of where you stand, give yourself a point for each “yes” you answer: 
  • Do employees use Multi-Factor Authentication when logging into critical systems?
  • Do you restrict where employees can log in from, such as blocking sign-ins from foreign countries?
  • Do you limit repeated login attempts to prevent brute-force password attacks?
  • Do systems containing financial or personal data require stronger verification methods?
  • Do you limit who can install software and require approval for new applications?
  • Do employees only have access to the tools and data necessary to perform their jobs?
  • Do you have anti-spam, anti-phishing, and anti-malware protections in place for employee email accounts?
  • Do you use a monitoring system that analyzes activity logs and alerts you to suspicious behavior?
  • Do you maintain records of cloud and email login activity?
  • Are employees regularly trained to identify phishing attempts and properly handle sensitive data?
So how does your dealership stack up?  Your final score will place you in one of the following categories:
  • High Risk (0-4 Points): Your dealership may be missing several key safeguards that help prevent cyber incidents.
  • Moderate Risk (5-7 Points): Your dealership has a solid foundation of cybersecurity controls in place, but there may still be opportunities to strengthen your defenses.
  • Low Risk (8-10 Points): You’ve taken important steps to control who has access to your systems and data. 
Your score provides a quick snapshot of your current security posture, but the most important takeaway is cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Whether you’re in the high-, moderate-, or low-risk range, addressing any gaps you identified can significantly reduce your exposure, protect sensitive information, and strengthen your overall security posture. 
Attackers are constantly evolving their tactics and looking for new ways to gain access to sensitive information. While your team is focused on selling vehicles and serving customers, it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest threats and security trends. That’s where having the right partner can make a difference.

An automotive-focused cybersecurity provider can help reduce your risk through continuous network monitoring, endpoint detection and response, incident response planning, and employee security training. Because when it comes to cybersecurity, the goal is preparation, not perfection.