Automotive Industry Faces Disruption as Cyberattacks Cause Multi-Day Outage for Car Dealerships' Software Supplier

Money | June 21, 2024, 12:23 p.m.

Car dealerships in North America were hit hard this week due to cyberattacks targeting CDK Global, a major software provider for auto dealers in the U.S. and Canada. Operations were disrupted, leading to delays and manual processes for prospective car buyers. CDK Global, based near Chicago, serves over 15,000 retail locations across the continent. Despite extensive testing and restoration efforts, the company experienced a second cyber attack, with no clear timeline for resolution as of Friday morning. Major automakers like Stellantis, Ford, and BMW confirmed dealer impacts but assured that sales operations continue, albeit with some delays and inconveniences. With customer privacy concerns heightened, dealers are actively seeking information on the nature and scope of the cyber incident to protect customer information. The situation remains fluid, with no immediate end in sight for the disruptions caused by the cyberattacks.