Cheat Sheet: What You Need To Know About About The Great Car Dealer Software Hack

In recent weeks, the automotive industry has been rocked by a massive cyberattack that has left car dealerships and manufacturers reeling. The attack, which has been dubbed the “Great Car Dealer Software Hack,” has compromised the sensitive information of millions of customers and has raised serious questions about the security of the industry’s digital infrastructure.

In this cheat sheet, we’ll break down what you need to know about the hack, including how it happened, who was affected, and what you can do to protect yourself.

What happened?

The Great Car Dealer Software Hack is believed to have originated from a vulnerability in a popular dealership management system (DMS) used by thousands of car dealerships across the country. The hackers, who are thought to be a sophisticated criminal organization, exploited this vulnerability to gain access to the DMS and steal sensitive customer information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card numbers.

Who was affected?

The hack is estimated to have affected over 1,000 car dealerships, including major brands such as Toyota, Ford, and General Motors. The attack also compromised the systems of several major automotive manufacturers, including Volkswagen and Honda.

What information was stolen?

The hackers made off with a treasure trove of sensitive customer information, including:

 Names and addresses
 Phone numbers and email addresses
 Credit card numbers and expiration dates
 Social Security numbers
 Driver’s license numbers
 Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)

How did it happen?

The hack is believed to have occurred due to a combination of human error and inadequate security measures. The DMS provider had failed to patch a known vulnerability in its system, leaving it open to attack. Additionally, many dealerships had weak passwords and inadequate security protocols in place, making it easy for the hackers to gain access to the system.

What are the consequences?

The consequences of the hack are far-reaching and potentially devastating. Customers whose information was stolen are at risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Dealerships and manufacturers are facing reputational damage and potential legal action. The hack has also raised serious questions about the security of the automotive industry’s digital infrastructure and the need for greater investment in cybersecurity.

What can you do to protect yourself?

If you’re a customer who has purchased a vehicle from a dealership in the past year, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself from potential identity theft and fraud. Here are some steps you can take:

 Monitor your credit reports and financial statements closely for any suspicious activity.
 Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts.
 Be cautious of phishing scams and unsolicited emails or phone calls.
 Change your passwords and PINs regularly.
 Consider investing in identity theft protection services.

What’s being done to prevent future hacks?

In response to the hack, the automotive industry is taking steps to improve its cybersecurity measures. Dealerships and manufacturers are being urged to invest in more robust security protocols, including encryption and two-factor authentication. The DMS provider is also working to patch the vulnerability and improve its security measures.

Conclusion

The Great Car Dealer Software Hack is a wake-up call for the automotive industry and a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age. By understanding what happened and taking steps to protect themselves, customers can minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud. As the industry moves forward, it’s essential that dealerships and manufacturers prioritize cybersecurity and invest in the measures necessary to protect sensitive customer information.