Industry Voices | Navigating New Rules for Secure Digital Transport of Data

In the wake of recent cyberattack threats and ransomware events, data privacy concerns have never been more top-of-mind for automotive dealerships and the entire industry. As dealers increasingly rely on digital platforms for customer transactions, especially coming out of the pandemic, the need for robust data privacy strategies has become paramount.

However, many auto dealers continue to operate on legacy philosophies, and with an “I’ll deal with it if I have to” mindset. Because of this, many are lagging in creating effective data privacy strategies, particularly concerning data in transit during customer transactions. It’s important that dealers understand a new concept called secure digital transport (SDT), why it is essential, and why dealers must prioritize these strategies to protect their customers and businesses.

Understanding Secure Digital Transport (SDT) of Data

Data in transit refers to data actively moving from one location to another, such as across the internet or even through a private network. This data is often transmitted between devices, systems and applications. Ensuring the secure transport of data involves protecting it from interception, unauthorized access and tampering during its journey. 

SDT can be achieved through various methods, including:

The Current State of Data Privacy in Auto Dealerships

Despite the clear need for secure data transport strategies, many auto dealerships are behind in implementing these measures. The reality is that many auto dealers are still not fully aware of the risks associated with data in transit or the methods to secure it. This lack of awareness has led to inadequate or outdated data privacy practices.

To address these challenges and ensure the security of data in transit, auto dealerships should consider a variety of strategies such as educating employees about the importance of data privacy and the risks associated with data in transit. Regular training sessions can help employees understand and implement best practices for data security.

Leading auto retailers are partnering with advanced data solutions providers to build systems where retailers and their employees can transport data and documents in and out of their systems without anyone ever needing to login into the system.

In this environment, an Application Programming Interface (API) determines the optimal destination based on tracking metadata and business rules. Workflow automation increases operational efficiencies and reduces costs involved. Additionally, compliance is simplified with fewer manual human touchpoints.

Dealers should leverage state-of-the-art encryption methods to protect data during transmission and ensure that all sensitive data is encrypted before it is sent over any network. They can use secure protocols like HTTPS, SSL/TLS, and VPNs for all data transmissions, while regularly updating and maintaining these protocols to protect against emerging threats. Other dealerships will choose technologies that leverage Session Data Transport (SDT) protocols making the use easier and ensuring better adoption by dealerships.

New Tools Being Used by Leading Dealers

New technology solutions are available today to provide a secure way for dealers to transport confidential information with end-to-end encryption. These solutions provide an easy, secure and efficient way to exchange information to ensure compliance and create operational productivity.

SDT, when in use, enables employees at a dealership to send and collect customer documents securely without passwords or logins through a secure link that can be used in email signature blocks, text shortcuts and even through social media. Additional functionality auto-populates customer information straight into the CRM without having to enter data manually. What’s more, customer documents (driver’s license, insurance, stips, etc.) are automatically appended to the customer’s profile in the CRM securely, eliminating additional steps and friction for the dealership employees.

SDT is a critical component of data privacy strategies for auto dealerships today, especially in the wake of recent cyber threats. As the automotive industry continues to embrace digital transformation, dealerships must prioritize data privacy to protect customer information, comply with regulations, prevent financial losses and safeguard their reputation.