CDK Global’s Cyberattack Disrupts U.S. Car Dealerships
In a significant cyberattack that has disrupted operations across the United States, CDK Global, a leading provider of cloud-based software to automotive dealerships, was forced to shut down most of its systems. This precautionary measure, described as taken “out of an abundance of caution” by spokesperson Lisa Finney, left dealerships resorting to manual, handwritten forms to continue operations.
CDK Global, which supports over 15,000 retail locations in North America, began a system restoration process that is expected to take several days. The company had initially restored some systems, but a subsequent cyberattack forced them offline again. This incident has highlighted the vulnerabilities and rising trend of cyberattacks targeting the auto industry.
Ransom Demands and Cybersecurity Challenges
According to a report by Bloomberg News, an insider revealed that a group believed to be based in Eastern Europe is demanding tens of millions of dollars in ransom. There are rumors that CDK might comply with the demands, though this remains unconfirmed.
The incident underscores the urgent need for fortified cybersecurity measures within the auto industry. Despite CDK Global’s emphasis on a robust cybersecurity strategy, the attack has exposed significant challenges in mitigating such threats. This situation is not isolated, as a recent attack on Findlay Automotive Group further illustrates the growing threat to dealerships.
Dealerships Adapting to Challenges
Dealerships like Northtown Automotive Companies in Buffalo, New York, have implemented contingency plans that allowed them to continue operations using manual methods. Craig Schreiber, one of the company’s owners, noted that their preparedness enabled them to go “old school” with handwritten forms, though he acknowledged the inevitable backlog once systems are restored.
Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, acknowledged the disruption to “many Kia Dealers” using CDK’s platform and advised them to rely on manual tools in the interim. This advice reflects a broader need for dealerships to enhance their preparedness against cyber threats.
Why Are Dealerships Targeted?
Car dealerships have become attractive targets for cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of sensitive customer data they hold, including credit applications and financial information. A 2023 report from CDK highlighted that 17% of surveyed dealers experienced a cyberattack in the past year, with 46% reporting negative financial or operational impacts.
The interconnected nature of dealership systems with external interfaces and often outdated software further exacerbates their vulnerability, as noted in a 2023 article from Zurich North America.
“`
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Florida’s property insurance market is finally showing signs of recovery after years of soaring premiums, litigation chaos, and insurer withdrawals. With rate increases now the lowest in the nation, Citizens Insurance shrinking, and new carriers re‑entering the state, Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky says the market is turning a corner. But while stabilization is underway, many homeowners are still asking why premiums haven’t dropped—and the answer lies in skyrocketing replacement costs, not rates. As reforms continue and AI, transparency rules, and mitigation incentives expand, real estate and insurance professionals should prepare for an evolving landscape that directly impacts affordability, buyer behavior, and long‑term market confidence.
In a candid conversation with Mortgage Professional America, NAMB president Kimber White lays out a series of structural reforms aimed at restoring homeownership access for millions of Americans. From revitalizing down payment assistance to rethinking loan-level price adjustments and incentivizing builders, White argues that meaningful affordability relief is achievable—but only through coordinated policy changes that address both costs and inventory shortages.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the insurance world, but a major power struggle is unfolding over who gets to regulate it. As insurers adopt AI at record speed, state regulators and the federal government are clashing over oversight authority—especially after a new executive order aims to put Washington in charge. With states pushing back and new evaluation tools on the horizon, the future of AI in insurance is becoming one of the biggest regulatory battles professionals need to watch.
A new CBRE Investor Intentions Survey shows that 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for commercial real estate, with 95 percent of investors planning to buy more assets and over half increasing their capital allocation. Stabilizing pricing, improving market fundamentals, and expectations of cooling debt costs are driving renewed optimism as investors target high‑growth markets like Dallas, Atlanta, Tampa, and Charlotte, while doubling down on multifamily, industrial, and value‑add strategies.
Lofty has introduced Lofty AOS, the first agentic AI operating system built to autonomously manage real estate workflows—from lead engagement to marketing, transactions, and website creation. Unlike traditional AI that waits for prompts, Lofty’s system operates like a full digital workforce, coordinating tasks across specialized AI agents. As this technology transforms daily operations for agents and brokerages, professionals with strong training and licensing will become even more essential.
The Federal Reserve has started 2026 by keeping interest rates unchanged, despite political pressure, stubborn inflation, and a cooling job market. While consumers don’t pay the federal funds rate directly, its effects ripple through mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and savings accounts. Mortgage affordability remains tight, credit card APRs are easing slowly, auto loan balances are climbing, and savings yields are one of the few bright spots. For real estate, mortgage, and finance professionals, understanding these shifts is essential as the market braces for another complex year.
