Can You Be Hacked?

Equifax, one of the dominant credit bureaus in the world, experienced a targeted attack in 2017. 

Approximately 145 million Americans were affected in some way, with over 200,000 credit card numbers stolen and around 182,000 personal identifying documents compromised as well. That doesn’t automatically mean everyone’s identities were stolen, however, but rather that their vulnerability has increased. 

It poses a very serious, sobering question, though: if an incredibly well-protected credit bureau can be hacked, how vulnerable are you?

You Probably Have No Idea How Vulnerable You Are

Dealerships collect personal information from their customers as well as their staff. In most cases, it’s stored in a filing cabinet under lock and key, but there’s a massive cache of personal information in your DMS and computer systems. 

Even emails can contain sensitive information, from addresses and legal names to credit card information for a deposit on a car purchase. 

It’s your responsibility to keep that information secure. Are you doing your part?

If you don’t know the answer to that question, you need to make it a top priority to find out. Chances are that you don’t have the safeguards in place, nor are you compliant with regulations pertaining to security. 

If your store is hacked, you would be liable in part or whole for the damages that result, and that would be crippling. There’s no reason to leave your flank exposed. 

Secure that Information!

Your first step is to seek out a professional to assess your vulnerability. Hire a third-party consultant to complete a security check on all aspects of your store’s digital front. The results will astound you. 

Then, implement safeguards such as up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall to minimize the potential for a data breach. Create an information policy store-wide with your consultant to reduce the risk and your liability in the event you get hacked. 

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/09/equifax-data-breach-what-do

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