These days cyber threats are lurking around every corner. Just one wrong click or download from a malicious source can lead to a compromised or hacked device, which creates numerous problems including viruses and stolen private or confidential information such as social security numbers, bank account credentials, passwords and more.

Not only do you need to be on the lookout for scams and cyberattacks for your personal accounts and devices, but you also need to stay vigilant to safeguard your dealership’s data and sensitive information to maintain your customers’ trust and credibility as a reputable business.

It seems as if every other day there’s news of a major data leak, or a new scam involving hacked accounts, leaked confidential information and even IT systems being held for ransom. Now is the time to take a proactive approach to protecting your dealership’s and customer’s most sensitive information by adopting a comprehensive approach to your cybersecurity.

There’s a lot to think about when a cyberattack occurs and it’s important to act immediately. After a breach, it’s essential to decrease your downtime and reduce any direct and indirect costs your dealership will incur. There are several factors your dealership should consider before selecting a provider for its cybersecurity needs. Does this provider work seamlessly and integrate with your day-to-day operations and procedures? Does this service meet all your needs while also remaining within your dealership’s budget?

A vendor that offers a variety of cybersecurity services such as dark web monitoring, endpoint detection and response, 24/7/365 endpoint and network monitoring, advanced email security, penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, threat detection, and more can be considered a safe choice. Bonus points if they also offer compliance tools to meet the FTC Safeguard Rule such as risk assessment, incident response plans, vendor risk assessments, security awareness training, phishing simulations, and more.

These components combined can work together to protect your network, your data, and your dealership from the growing risk of cyber threats and keep your dealership’s IT running smoothly and productively. Additional benefits to consider could include remote and onsite support as well as access to network and security operation centers that are tailored specifically to automotive retail.

In this day and age, it is impractical to rely solely on basic, physical locks to protect your home, business or private property. Today’s advanced technology comes with its own set of vulnerabilities and requires the utilization of additional security tactics such as 24/7, live video and audio monitoring via security and doorbell cameras, which can capture security risks or theft in real-time even when you are away from your property or sleeping. The same goes for your dealership’s data and information systems. A strong password can only do so much.

You need to protect yourself before it is too late. Without proper protection, a data breach can be detrimental to your bottom line. Protect your dealership’s data with around-the-clock protection provided by an appropriate cybersecurity plan to ensure you receive support from best-in-class resources that can assist in the aftermath of any future cyberthreat or attack.