3 Ways to Address Breach Risks

Every day, your employees open email attachments, click links, and send files and information. They’re logging into and using different applications throughout the day. And if we’re being honest, they’re likely visiting some news and social media sites as well (we’re all human, right?). I’m sure many of your customers are connecting to your convenient Wi-Fi (after all, that’s what it’s there for). All of these areas are breach risks and there’s an increased chance of a cyberattack or data compromise. Most of these items (except probably Facebook) are required for your daily operations. This goal isn’t to lock up the doors and throw away the key. The goal is to ensure you have the right protection around those entry points. Here are three ways, although there are many more we’ll touch on in the future, you can address these risks.

Encrypt Your Data

When you think about the tools and systems used to protect data from harm, imagine encryption as the top layer of armor. Instead of your sensitive information traveling aimlessly through cyberspace with “Private info, don’t steal me!” written on its forehead, encryption creates an indecipherable mask to shield it from suspicious threats. Tools for encryption come in many forms. You can use a VPN or purchase specific software to protect the files on your network. Encrypting data goes beyond peace of mind strategies, it creates a formidable layer of protection for your assets.

Audit Your Security Efforts Regularly

You don’t wait for a huge cavity to show up before going to see the dentist, right? You schedule regular visits, to prevent cavities from starting. Being proactive about your oral health is wiser and more cost-effective than waiting until something horrible happens. This same logic applies to your cybersecurity routine. Regularly set aside time to take a deep dive into your systems to uncover any vulnerabilities you may have. The goal is for you to find your weaknesses and then take measures to fill those gaps and strengthen your security. This could include addressing findings from your risk assessment and any feedback you may receive from your third-party vendor.

Implement an Incident Response Plan, and Test It

Not all Incident Response Plans are created equal. In the long run, it’ll greatly benefit you to create a clear, detailed response plan in case your dealership ever needs to use it. Reacting swiftly and precisely can be the difference between being down for two hours or two months. Your response plan should go over every step from the beginning to the end. You’ll want to make sure you have key factors such as who gets notified first, how you’ll contain the breach, and the internal and external communication plans. Having firm responsibilities outlined will help everything run smoother and help your dealership get through it and back to business faster.

Don’t forget to test your plan by running tabletop exercises with your teams. This gives you a chance to ensure you didn’t miss anything and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Properly addressing breach risks is equal parts strategy and diligence. Each of these steps will collectively improve the security of your dealership. One of the biggest mistakes a dealership can make is to put security measures onto paper and then walk away (or worse – to have no plan at all). Staying vigilant is a daily battle. By keeping up to date on current threats and staying resilient, you’ll be ready for anything.