Don’t let Cybersecurity attacks put a damper on your holiday season. Phishing attempts are relentless, and they don’t take down time for the holidays.
Here are some reminders on how to protect yourself from a malicious attack.
- Phishing attempts are relentless. Training for employees is a must. Assume a phishing email or other method will eventually penetrate your security. In 2021, Cyber Criminals stole an estimated $6.9 billion.
- The most expensive security software available by itself will not prevent ransomware.
- Regular testing by internal/external staff of security protocols and backup processes to ensure the integrity and proper function.
- Segregate your network so that one system being compromised does not impact others.
- Two-factor authentication is an absolute requirement.
- Take a full assessment of all data files maintained to evaluate if any personally identifiable information is present.
- Determine if needed at all; if not, remove/delete – otherwise, make sure security measures are in place
- Spend the necessary time training and, re-training and reinforcing cybersecurity with each & every associate.
- Establish local IT relationships in all locations where you conduct business. It is difficult to build those from scratch when in a crisis. Ensure you have established SOPs for remote working and/or offline working
- BACKUPS, BACKUPS, and more BACKUPS.
- Multiple backups should be maintained in different locations and different methods (security software, cloud, offsite, physical drive, etc.)
- Make sure you have scheduled backups regularly. Preferably daily.
Finally, as a reminder, there was a cybersecurity presentation last summer. If you have not seen it or need a refresher on it, the full presentation is located on the Portal and can be accessed by the following path: Dealer Portal > Dealer Tools > Solution Center > Dealer Development.
In addition, here is a one-page document that you can post around your Dealership and use as a training tool for your associates.
