Cybersecurity at the Dealership in 2025: Closing the Confidence Gap in a High-Risk Landscape

As cyberthreats continue to evolve, car dealerships remain vulnerable despite growing awareness and investment. CDK’s State of Dealership Cybersecurity 2025 study reveals that while 90% of dealership leaders recognize the importance of cybersecurity protocols, fewer than half feel confident in their systems’ ability to protect against attacks.

Key insights from this year’s report include:

• Cyberattack Trends: One in five dealerships reported being targeted in 2025, with phishing and ransomware remaining top threats.
• Employee Training Gaps: Despite being a critical defense, staff training saw a decline, with fewer dealerships offering onboarding or regular cybersecurity education.
• Investment Shifts: Overall spending dipped slightly, though most dealers plan to increase investment in the coming year.
• Compliance and Third-Party Support: Dealers are leaning more on third-party providers, especially those with auto-specific expertise, to meet regulatory demands and bolster defenses.

CDK also offers a clear snapshot of where dealerships stand today, what threats they face, and the strategic steps they’re taking to protect their operations. To learn how best to prioritize training, assess vulnerabilities, and invest wisely in cybersecurity infrastructure, download The State of Dealership Cybersecurity 2025 study.