The State of Dealership Cybersecurity 2026

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and dealerships are feeling the pressure. CDK’s Cybersecurity at the Dealership 2026 study reveals that while the number of reported cyberattacks has declined, concerns about emerging threats, particularly those driven by AI, are growing rapidly. 

Our study explores how dealerships are responding to a changing threat landscape. Email phishing has overtaken ransomware as the most common cybersecurity concern, with many dealers reporting increasingly sophisticated attacks that appear legitimate and difficult to detect. 

At the same time, AI adoption has become widespread across dealership operations, creating new opportunities alongside new vulnerabilities. The findings reveal a significant gap between AI usage and governance, highlighting the need for stronger policies, employee education and cybersecurity planning. 

Beyond threats and trends, this report examines:

• How dealerships are investing in cybersecurity
• The level of employee training
• Managing compliance requirements
• How to work with third-party vendors to protect sensitive data 

Download the study to explore the latest cybersecurity trends, benchmark your dealership's preparedness, and discover practical strategies for strengthening your organization's defenses against today's evolving threats.