Introduction:
Recently, car dealerships and service centers have been facing significant challenges due to a cyberattack on CDK Global, a software provider many dealers rely on for critical operations. The attack, which occurred on June 19, has left dealerships struggling to conduct basic tasks as their computer systems remain nonfunctional. In this article, we will delve deeper into the impact of this cyberattack on CDK Global and explore its implications for dealerships and customers.
What is CDK Global?
CDK Global is a software company based in Illinois that operates in over 15,000 retail locations across North America. They provide a dealer management system (DMS) that dealers use for processing transactions, managing financing, tracking parts and suppliers, and handling customer relations. The company was acquired by Brookfield Business Partners in 2023 for nearly $6.5 billion.
What happened to CDK Global, and who cares?
Following reports of system outages in numerous dealerships, CDK Global confirmed that they had fallen victim to a cyberattack. The company disclosed that the recovery process would take several days and that they were working with clients to find workaround solutions. The attackers, known as BlackSuit from Eastern Europe, were demanding a ransom to restore services. Shares of CDK Global’s parent company, Brookfield, experienced a 5.7% drop in value after reports of a second cyberattack.
Why dealers – and customers – are feeling the pain
The cyberattack on CDK Global has impacted both dealerships and customers. New car purchases have been delayed, service departments are overwhelmed with cars awaiting repairs, and dealerships are resorting to manual processes to continue operations. Major dealership groups like AutoNation and Lithia Motors are experiencing strain due to the outage, affecting their productivity and financial performance. The longer the outage persists, the more challenges dealerships will face.
What’s next for CDK Global?
Dealership groups affected by CDK Global’s outage are considering alternative software providers due to trust issues and communication shortcomings. Poor car-buying experiences resulting from the cyberattack may drive customers to seek other dealerships. Dealerships impacted by the outage have halted offering certain services, leading to potential financial impacts and customer dissatisfaction. As dealerships navigate this crisis during a crucial sales period, the outcome remains uncertain.
In conclusion, the cyberattack on CDK Global has had far-reaching consequences for car dealerships and service centers, affecting their operations and customer experiences. Dealerships are now exploring alternative solutions as they grapple with the aftermath of the attack. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how dealerships will adapt and recover from this challenging period.
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