Retailers across the country are grappling with the aftermath of CDK’s cyberattacks, and we’ve got some top industry experts to help us understand the impact and the path forward. Joining us are John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of Force Marketing, and Mike Pandher, their Senior Vice President of Technology. They’ll discuss how dealers can navigate these turbulent times, protect their data, and keep their operations running smoothly.
Takeaways
- John Fitzpatrick emphasizes the industry’s resilience and the importance of proactive measures. Force Marketing has been locking down all security gates, communicating effectively with clients, and implementing best practices to prevent further breaches. This includes auditing systems, updating firmware, and enhancing employee awareness training.
- Mike Pandher highlights the necessity of having a robust business continuity and disaster recovery plan. He notes that it’s not a question of “if” but “when” a cyberattack might occur. Dealerships need to be prepared to continue operations even if critical systems fail. This includes having failover systems and ensuring employees know how to handle operations manually.
- Despite the disruptions, John Fitzpatrick advises dealerships to continue their marketing efforts. He explains that while the CDK issue is significant for dealers, it hasn’t yet become a consumer issue. Maintaining visibility and engagement with potential customers is crucial. Force Marketing has adjusted its approach by resorting to manual processes when automation is disrupted to ensure continuous communication and lead management for its clients.
Check out our full coverage of the CDK cyberattack here.
"An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us… Our industry must band together to ensure our defenses are stronger than ever." – John Fitzpatrick
