It can be easy to treat cybersecurity like a set-it-and-forget-it task. Many dealerships simply install the necessary tools, check the boxes, and call it a day. But cyberthreats don’t work on a schedule, and they don’t stop once a piece of software is installed. Tactics evolve, threats adapt, and cybercriminals never sleep.
You have something they want, and they’re not resting until it belongs to them.
Cybercriminals are constantly working to improve their craft. The anti-threat software that worked perfectly yesterday may become obsolete tomorrow. But how do you know when that tool stops working effectively? How do you know if all the right boxes are checked?
Because cybersecurity requires continuous focus, consistency, and expertise, it’s crucial to have a trusted cyber partner.
Understanding the Risk
Many cyberattacks follow a similar pattern.
It might start with a click, but the real damage doesn’t happen immediately. While day-to-day business continues, the attackers are collecting credentials, copying personal and financial information, and expanding their access. They read your emails, impersonate your accounts, and steal your data. According to statistics from our Security Operations Center, the average time a cyberattack remains undetected is 204 days. That means by the time anything is discovered, it’s too late.
When the impact hits, it hits all at once. Systems are inaccessible. Operations grind to a halt. Customers and employees alike are at risk of having their information exposed. What began as an almost invisible problem has turned into the start of a very long road to recovery.
Stay Ahead of the Threats
Your focus is on the customers. Selling and servicing vehicles, managing staff, and keeping daily operations running smoothly is your expertise. But while you’re doing what you do best, who’s protecting the network and infrastructure that makes it all possible?
When a cyber threat knocks at your door, the difference between a minor setback and a full-scale shutdown comes down to preparation. Prepared dealerships continuously monitor for threats and eliminate risks at their earliest point of entry, rather than reacting after an attack is already underway.
A cyber partner helps shoulder that responsibility by providing continuous protection, visibility, and support. Just like your focus is on the customer, your partner’s focus is on you, ensuring your systems stay connected, remain secure, and continue operating.
What Can You Do Now?
Whether you currently have a cyber partner or not, here are some actionable tasks you can take today to help minimize risk:
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Train Your Team Regularly
Every employee is a gatekeeper. The more they know about phishing, fake CAPTCHAs, and email scams, the harder it is for threats to succeed.
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Limit Access Based on Roles
Not everyone needs access to everything. Apply the “least privilege” principle to reduce internal risk.
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Invest in Strong Endpoint Protection
A quality Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tool can catch threats before they spread, even the stealthy ones.
Cyber threats often begin quietly, but their impact can be severe. Left unchecked, a minor vulnerability can escalate into a dealership-wide crisis. Preparation and partnership determine whether that moment becomes a temporary disruption or a complete shutdown.
With the
right cyber partner in place, your data, operations, and reputation are protected, and your dealership can move forward with confidence. Because in an environment where threats never stop evolving, neither should your defense against them.