What’s your network process?

Accounting just emailed you an invoice. You click the link, and your computer acts a little strange. It was probably nothing, just a random glitch… right? Two days later, your entire dealership network is down. 

It sounds like a nightmare, but it’s also just another Tuesday in auto retail cybersecurity. With nonstop emails, employees bouncing between systems, and sensitive customer data stored across your network, the risk of a breach is at an all-time high. Unless someone’s got an eye on the whole system, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks — until one of those cracks becomes a full-blown breach. 

What does your network security process look like?

Seriously, who owns it? Who’s watching? Who helps you stay secure while you’re out there supporting the customers? Take a second and ask yourself: 

• Do you have to constantly explain how your dealership operates during your network meetings with your security provider?
• Are you regularly getting the “Hey, the CRM’s down again” calls and texts from your sales team?
• Is security and compliance just another thing on your plate that gets pushed around with all your other work to complete?
• Do you have a list of third-party vendors you need to do a risk assessment with but just haven’t found the time?
• Has your whole team been trained on your security policies… or just told “not to click on anything weird”? 

Why do these questions matter?

When network security isn’t a priority, the consequences can go beyond minor inconveniences. Maybe it’s just a slow connection today, but what happens when your buffering YouTube videos turn into a full-scale breach? Here’s what you’re risking when security takes a backseat: 

• Slow network connection to software and internet and sluggish performance.
• Higher cyber insurance costs due to poor protections.
• Increased risk of a cyberattack that loses customers, damages your reputation, decreases revenue, and racks up recovery expenses.
• Potential fines for non-compliance to state and federal regulations. 

Strong network security isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about keeping your team connected, your data safe, and your dealership running without disruption. If you’re not sure where to start, try some tabletop exercises. Sit down with your team, run through a few scenarios, and see what gaps pop up. Even a simple scenario can quickly reveal blind spots. 

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert, but you do need a proactive, dealership-aware process built to support the speed of your business. If security is part of the strategy, you’re not just protecting your dealership; you’re empowering it to succeed.