“Open” – Great for Neon Signs, Not Your Network

In 2015, 60% of cyber-attacks targeted small businesses (100 or fewer employees), much like dealerships. Cyber attacks are on the rise because it is getting easier to access unprotected networks.

Having an open or unprotected network is basically a flashing, neon sign saying “Attack me!” But, don’t worry. You can turn that light off with the implementation of a few ‘don’ts.’

Don’t enable employees to steal company time.

According to Forbes, 64% of employees visit non-work related websites every day while at work. Giving your employees the freedom to surf the web is more dangerous than you think. It is a license to open your network to an attack.

Protect your business from employees using their time unwisely; block those sites with up-to-date software.

Don’t allow customers to connect their device to your network unrestricted.

Customers are going to bring their own devices to your waiting lounge. But you can decide what sites they can and cannot get to. Your competitors’ sites, for example—yes, you can block those.

Not only are you protecting your open network, but you are also protecting your business so customers can’t price check while sitting in your dealership.

Don’t be predictable.

Too many times businesses have the same password for all of their devices for ease of use. Based on the high turnover rate of almost 40% in the dealership business, who blames you? You don’t want to have to train everyone again and again on new passwords. But, you should.

Think about it. If a disgruntled employee leaves or a current employee shares the password with a friend you’re giving away what you pay for, for free. How do you change that? Change passwords every six months habitually.

Conclusion

With a few simple process changes, your dealership’s network sign goes from open to closed. No longer is your data available to hackers 24 hours a day. It’s never available, and you don’t have to worry about data breaches or hackers anymore.

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