Reducing Your Attack Surface

Managing a dealership can be easier said than done. There are countless moving parts, and keeping everything in sync can feel like you’re juggling a thousand things at once. Whether through inventory management, sales targets, or customer service, there’s always something to handle.

Like those daily dealership operations, keeping your cybersecurity in check is just as critical (and sometimes, just as tricky!). Not sure what your first step should be? Start by making sure you’re working with as reduced an attack surface as possible. Think of it as tightening the security around your digital storefront.

Defining Attack Surface

Before we get into ways to reduce your attack surface, it’s important to understand exactly what it is. Your attack surface refers to the total number of potential points where unauthorized users can attempt to access your system and steal sensitive data.

Understanding your attack surface is key because the more entry points that exist, the more vulnerable your dealership becomes against cyber threats. There are two types of attack surfaces to consider:

Digital
This encompasses all the hardware, software, and network connections your dealership uses, including websites, servers, applications, code, and even shadow IT (unauthorized devices or applications used by your team). The more devices, applications, or ports connected to your network, the larger your digital attack surface.

Physical
This refers to all the devices that can be physically accessed, such as desktops, laptops, mobile phones, hard drives, and USB drives. Any endpoint device that holds data can be an entry point for cybercriminals if not properly secured. Even something as simple as discarded hardware containing user data can present a risk.

The Risks

Now that we know what an attack surface is, let’s look at why leaving it unchecked can be risky for your dealership:

Data Breaches
If your systems aren’t secured properly, cybercriminals may access your sensitive customers data, potentially resulting in fraud and/or identity theft.

Reputational Damage
A breach can damage much more than just your database. Customers may lose trust in your ability to protect their personal information, choosing to take their business elsewhere.

Legal Consequences
If your systems are exposed, you could face costly fines or legal penalties. This is especially true if you’re not in compliance with regulations like the FTC Safeguards Rule.

Protect Your Data

Don’t worry, there’s hope! While these threats may sound daunting, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to reduce your dealership’s exposure and minimize the attack surface.

Regularly Patch and Update Systems
Keeping your software up-to-date is one of the easiest ways to reduce vulnerabilities. Regularly patching your systems helps close the gaps where cybercriminals might gain access.

Implement Robust Monitoring Tools
Use network security monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activity as soon as it arises. Monitoring can help catch potential threats early before they escalate into significant damage.

Educate Your Team
Your employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Regular training on recognizing phishing attempts, password management, and the risks of shadow IT can greatly reduce your dealership’s risk of a successful attack.

Segment Your Network
Network segmentation involves dividing your network into smaller, isolated sections. This helps to contain any breaches and prevents attackers from moving freely across your entire system once they’ve gained access.

Eliminate Unnecessary Complexity
Reduce the number of devices and software applications connected to your network. The more devices you have, the larger your attack surface becomes. Simplifying your network can reduce the opportunities for attackers to exploit weaknesses.

 
Reducing your attack surface may seem like a daunting task, but it’s one of the most effective ways to safeguard your dealership against cyber threats. By taking proactive steps, you can dramatically lower the risk of a successful attack.

Just as you wouldn’t leave the physical doors of your dealership unlocked, don’t leave your digital doors wide open. By reducing your attack surface, you can help ensure that your dealership remains secure, your customers’ data stays protected, and your business continues to thrive.