June 25, 2024 at 06:43AM
Major disruptions have hit North American car dealerships following cyberattacks on CDK Global, impacting operations and causing delays for car buyers. Several dealership chains implemented alternative processes to continue operations. CDK serves more than 15,000 retail locations in North America and the outage is expected to last several days. Customers are advised to monitor their credit and be cautious of phishing attempts.
CDK Global is a company based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, that provides software technology to auto dealers in North America, facilitating day-to-day operations including vehicle sales, financing, insurance, and repairs for over 15,000 retail locations.
Last week, CDK Global experienced back-to-back cyberattacks, leading to a shutdown of its systems. The company has begun the restoration process and is actively engaging with its customers to provide alternate ways to conduct business. Impacted dealerships are still selling cars, although some are using manual processes such as writing up orders by hand.
To protect yourself, cybersecurity experts recommend assuming your data may have been breached if you’ve bought a car from a dealership that uses CDK software. It’s important to monitor your credit, consider freezing your credit, and be wary of phishing attempts. Additionally, it’s advisable to have reliable contact information for companies and take steps to protect your data in this digital age where data is a valuable target.