Breaking Down Compliance

Navigating compliance requirements can be overwhelming at times, especially when certain areas feel like they’re written in unfamiliar technical language or legal jargon. We’ve found that breaking things down to the fundamentals helps make everything more digestible. 

The truth is, compliance becomes less of a burden and more of a blueprint once you have real, actionable steps. If you’re partnered with the right vendor, they’ll walk you through it every step of the way. As you read, consider how each area helps to build a stronger foundation for your dealership. 

Start with an Information Security Policy
A solid Information Security Policy is one of the most important tools for building a culture of cybersecurity. Think of it as your playbook — the cornerstone of a strong cybersecurity culture. It outlines expectations, how to handle data, and what to do if something goes wrong. Most importantly, it gives your entire team a shared reference point , ensuring everyone remains on the same page. 

Conduct a risk assessment
This part can feel intimidating, especially if IT and cybersecurity aren’t your everyday language. That’s ok — you’re not alone. A good partner will guide you through the risk assessment process. This will walk you through questions about different aspects of your organization and technology. From there, you can uncover your dealership’s risk and develop a plan for securing it. 

Create an Incident Response Policy
If something goes wrong —  a data breach, a ransomware attack, even a suspicious email opened — you need to have a plan in place ahead of time. Your dealership can’t afford to sit back and wait for an incident to happen before you decide how to respond. A pre-made, well-designed plan can significantly help with making real-time decisions. Wouldn’t you like to reduce the overall length, damage, and stress created by the incident?  

Perform a Vendor Risk Assessment
Your dealership may rely on a variety of vendors to operate  — which means your cybersecurity posture depends on them, too. Some of the largest cyberattacks have taken place because a third-party vendor was breached. The right partner will perform a risk assessment for both your dealership and the vendors you  rely on — giving you the insights needed to determine whether each vendor meets their cybersecurity obligations.   

Enforce Security Awareness training
Even the best security systems can be undermined by human error. That’s why employee training is vital. Mobile devices, PCs, and email are all prime targets for cyberattack entry points. Having employees who are well-trained, understand cybersecurity best practices, and know how to recognize (and respond) to cyber threats is essential. Regular training and testing help keep their senses sharp. 

Use Phishing Simulations
Phishing emails are one of the most common ways attackers try to access systems. Simulated phishing tests let you see how employees would respond to a real-world threat without the actual risk. The goal should never be to try and “catch” someone — it’s about identifying where more support or training might be needed. Over time, this kind of practice sharpens instincts and builds a stronger front line. 

Utilize Executive Reporting
Compliance isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a leadership responsibility. Part of the FTC Safeguards Rule is reporting regularly to your Board of Directors or senior officers. Regular reporting helps these decision-makers understand the dealership’s overall security posture. It also creates a space for them to make changes to address gaps, update your program, and keep it compliant.

It’s easy to think of compliance as something there for you to avoid fines and stay out of legal trouble. The truth is, it’s really about trust. Your customers trust you with their information, and your employees trust that the systems in place are equipped with the necessary protection. Choosing the right partner to hold you accountable can be a game changer.