Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a business issue. Auto dealerships store sensitive customer information, manage digital payment systems, rely on vendor portals and increasingly use smart tech on-site. That makes them a growing target for cyber criminals. So, how do you protect your dealership? Start with the five pillars of cybersecurity every business leader should understand. These pillars are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, widely used across industries to build smarter, more resilient operations. 1. Identify You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Start by taking inventory: • What systems and software do you use? • Where is customer or financial data stored? • Who has access to what? According to Gartner, 60% of breaches start with unknown or unmanaged assets, like outdated apps or devices still connected to your network. That’s why visibility is the first and most critical step in protecting your business. 2. Protect Once you know your risks, safeguard your systems: • Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). • Keep all software updated and patched. • Install security tools like firewalls and endpoint protection. • Train your team to spot phishing emails. The 5 Pillars of Cybersecurity Every Auto Dealer Should Know Because Protecting Your Dealership Goes Beyond Locked Doors By Kale Larkin, Director of Marketing, One Step Secure IT Services According to a joint study by Stanford University and Tessian, a leader in cloud security, human error is responsible for over 90% of cyber incidents. Don’t underestimate the importance of regular training. Your employees are your first line of defense. 3. Detect Hackers often get in quietly and stay for weeks or even months before launching an attack. You need tools that monitor and alert you to unusual activity, like suspicious logins, malware behavior and unauthorized access attempts. You wouldn’t run a dealership without security cameras, so don’t run your network without visibility. 4. Respond What’s your plan if something happens? A cyber attack can paralyze operations fast. Your response plan should: • Outline clear roles (IT, legal, leadership). • Contain and isolate threats. • Communicate with stakeholders quickly. Practice makes perfect, and running test drills will ensure your teams know exactly what to do in a real crisis. 5. Recover Recovery is about more than just restoring files. It’s about getting your business back up safely and confidently. This means you must: • Use clean, verified backups. • Investigate how the breach happened. • Rebuild trust with customers and partners. According to Coveware, the average cost of a ransomware attack for small businesses, including downtime, is now over $140,000. And that doesn’t include reputational damage or lost future revenue. Cybersecurity can feel technical, but these five pillars are rooted in common-sense leadership. It’s about preparation, visibility and protecting what matters. If you’re unsure where your dealership stands, now is the time to get a security checkup from a trusted third party. Email Kale at klarkin@onesteptech.com or scan the QR code to schedule a free consultation with One Step Secure IT Services. https://www.onestepsecureit.com/10minute-discovery-call DEALERS’ CHOICE 18
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