Continuing our coverage of the CDK cyberattacks, we’re joined by April Simmons, Corporate Internet, and Marketing Director at Horne Auto Group. Simmons shares her perspective from a marketing angle
Takeaways
- Simmons highlighted the need for quick adaptability and contingency planning. Initially, the outage seemed short-term, but by day two, it was clear that prolonged workarounds were necessary. Each department had to utilize different tools and methods to continue operations, emphasizing the importance of having flexible backup plans.
- The cyber attack underscored the critical need for strong cybersecurity measures. Simmons stressed that dealers must prioritize data protection, viewing compliance requirements as essential rather than mere formalities. The breach served as a wake-up call to strengthen cybersecurity at the dealership level.
- Effective communication and maintaining customer service standards were crucial during the outage. While marketing continued, staff had to manage customer expectations and explain potential delays. Balancing transparency without causing alarm helped maintain trust and confidence during the disruption.
"The cyber attack on CDK Global was a wake-up call for us. It highlighted the critical importance of strong cybersecurity measures and not putting all our eggs in one basket." - April Simmons
