Have you ever caught yourself telling a story only to realize that about halfway through, you forgot to give all the context upfront? Sure, the story still makes sense, but it would have been much better had you given it the proper start.  
Long story short, we just had one of those moments. Being so passionate about cybersecurity, sometimes we forget to start at the beginning and cover the basics. Let’s take a step back and ensure that we’re all on the same page about what exactly a cyberattack is. Don’t feel the need to review the fundamentals? Make sure you check one of our more advanced articles! 
A cyberattack is any unauthorized attempt to access, steal, or damage your digital systems and data. Cybercriminals design these attacks to steal your data, shut you down, or sneak in unnoticed and lurk for months. 
 

What does a Cyberattack look like? 

The bad guys have a laundry list of tactics at their disposal, but some are easier to spot than others. Let’s go through the more common methods being used. 
  • Phishing
    It all starts with phishing. These crafty emails or ads with fake links trick employees into handing over login credentials or personal data. It’s also the catalyst for every other cyberattack we’re about to mention. 
  • Malware
    Malicious software that slips into your network, bringing chaos and destruction. It can spy on you, steal your data, or even give attackers complete control. 
  • Ransomware
    Your data gets encrypted, and the attackers demand a ransom to return it. Unfortunately, even if you pay, there’s no guarantee you’ll ever see that data again. In addition, it will still live on the dark web and likely continue to be exploited which can lead to further cybercrime in the future.  
  • Adversary-in-the-Middle (AITM)
    The adversary intercepts authentication information when an employee signs in and uses that access to exploit the employee. This tactic is frequently used in Business Email Compromise attacks. 
So why do attackers do it? Abba said it best: “Money, Money, Money.” Motivation can also include corporate espionage, political agendas, hacktivism, or the thrill of proving it can be done. Because it’s legal in certain countries, cybercriminals may even sell their exploits to the highest bidder. 
 

How can you protect your business? 

Luckily, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to keep your business protected. You just need to understand what you’re up against. Here are a few suggestions from our team: 
  • Know Your Vulnerabilities
    Regular inspections for potential weak points can uncover gaps you never knew existed. 
  • Train Your Team
    Employees can be your first line of defense — or your weakest link. Proper cybersecurity training can be a game changer. 
  • Secure Every Endpoint
    From servers to smartphones, anything connected to your network needs protection. 
  • Layer Your Defenses
    Firewalls, antivirus tools, MFA, and monitoring systems should work together like a pit crew. It should be fast, precise, and constantly alert. 
  • Stay Vigilant
    Patch your systems regularly and keep your threat intelligence fresh. 
  • Reduce Your Attack Surface
    You wouldn’t leave your dealership’s physical doors unlocked overnight, so remember to do the same for your digital doors. 
 
Cyberattacks will constantly evolve. That sounds scary, but it just means that your defenses should grow at the same pace. Want to take control of your dealership? Start with a proactive strategy, not a reactive scramble. The right moves today could save your business tomorrow.