Chicago, IL – A software company that provides services to car dealerships in North America is facing a cyberattack by a group demanding a large ransom, reports Bloomberg. The group, believed to be based in Eastern Europe, has targeted CDK Global, seeking millions of dollars to end the attack. While CDK is considering paying the ransom, discussions are ongoing and subject to change.
The cyber outage caused by the attack has now entered its third day, disrupting operations at numerous car dealerships across the United States. CDK took the precaution of shutting down most of its systems following the cyberattack. Although some systems were restored temporarily, additional attacks prompted the company to close them once again. Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, dealerships are still experiencing issues with CDK systems.
CDK Global, known for working with over 15,000 retail locations across North America, provides cloud-based software to help dealerships manage various aspects of their business, from vehicle sales to maintenance. The company emphasizes a robust cybersecurity strategy to prevent, protect, and respond to cyber threats, highlighting the importance of digital security in the automotive industry. However, the ongoing cyberattack underscores the vulnerabilities that exist in the digital infrastructure of businesses like CDK.
As the situation unfolds, CDK Global continues to assess the impact of the cyberattack and consult with external experts to address the issue effectively. With no specific timeline for when systems will be fully restored, dealerships and customers remain in limbo as they navigate the challenges posed by the cyber outage. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by cybercriminals and the pressing need for heightened cybersecurity measures in today’s interconnected world.