We were sorry to see Arnold Clark targeted on Christmas Eve by a cyber attack. News reports stated that the phone and systems were inaccessible, but the company insists that customer data is safe. The company topped the Car Dealer Top 100 list last year, a busy year comes with many challenges, and this is an important reminder to dealerships of all sizes to assess their cyber security.

Here are some key considerations for motor dealerships in the UK to keep in mind when it comes to cyber security;

1. Secure your networks and devices: Make sure all your devices, including computers, servers, and tablets are protected with strong passwords and regularly updated with the latest security patches. Ensure that your WiFi network is secure and consider implementing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to add an extra layer of protection.

2. Protect customer data: As a motor dealership, you likely have access to a lot of sensitive customer information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and financial information. It's important to take steps to protect this data from unauthorised access. Implement strong data protection and privacy policies and regularly train your staff on how to handle customer data safely.

3. Use secure payment methods: When it comes to accepting payments from customers, it's important to use secure methods such as encrypted credit card processing. This helps protect against credit card fraud and other cyber attacks.

4. Monitor for threats. Regularly monitoring your systems for signs of cyber threats can help you identify and respond to potential issues before they cause significant harm. This could include monitoring for unusual activity on your network, or implementing security software that can detect and block potential threats.

5. Stay up to date on industry best practices: The world of cyber security is constantly evolving and it's essential to stay up to date on the latest best practices and threats. This could include attending industry events and conferences, reading industry blogs and publications, and regularly training your staff on cybersecurity best practices.

At BIT Security our head of sales Terence Herbert is an expert in the motor industry and is particularly focused on supporting dealerships to get up to speed and mature their cyber security. If you want advice and support to ensure your processes are up to scratch get in touch with us today.