Can You Trust the Security of Individual Auto Dealerships After a Large Vendor Gets Hacked?

“The reality is that many American businesses are not as secure as they believe. We consider our organization a modern-day Paul Revere with the message, ‘The cyberattack is coming.”

MONMOUTH BEACH, NJ, USA, June 20, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Cyber Umbrella Takes Action with Cybersecurity Pen Testing Grant and Risk Assessment for up to 1,000 Auto Dealerships in 2024

In the wake of the recent CDK Global hack affecting 15,000 dealerships nationwide, Cyber Umbrella has announced a major initiative to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of auto dealerships. Partnering with Buff Motorsports Consulting , Cyber Umbrella is offering up to 1,000 penetration testing grants to auto dealerships in 2024. These grants aim to help dealerships identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems, networks, and processes, ensuring they are well-protected against the growing threat of cyber-attacks. “We saw the need for cybersecurity and have been working with Cyber Umbrella since the beginning of 2024. We saw a great opportunity for our dealers with the Cyber Umbrella’s Grant program to get a penetration testing Grant. Cyber Umbrella’s vision has been not if it will happen but when it will happen and now it has happened”, said Bill Buff. Bill can be contacted regarding questions about the grant at buffmotorsports@gmail.com.

A Growing Threat: The State of Cybersecurity in Auto Dealerships

Cyberattacks on auto dealerships are not new, but their frequency and sophistication are increasing. According to a 2023 report by CDK Global, which recently experienced a significant breach, 17% of surveyed dealerships reported a cyberattack or incident within the past year, up from 15% the previous year. These attacks have severe financial and operational impacts, including employee downtime, hardware and software replacement costs, and reputational damage.

A Growing Threat: The State of Cybersecurity in Auto Dealerships

Recent revisions to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule underscore the critical importance of cybersecurity for auto dealerships. The FTC mandates that dealerships must regularly monitor and test their procedures for detecting actual and attempted attacks. This can be achieved through continuous system monitoring or annual penetration testing and vulnerability risk assessments. The updated guideline that went into effect June 2023 dictate the FTC can impose penalties of up to $100,000 per violation to those who are not following the guidelines.

A Call to Action: Fortifying Dealership Defenses

Michael Benson, the founder of Cyber Umbrella, a nonprofit division of Love Vision Inc., emphasized the urgency of this initiative. “Reputation, cash flow, and customer data are all on the line. It is time that you get your dealership tested,” stated Benson. Cyber Umbrella recently launched the Cyber Defense Force (CDF) to raise awareness about the cyber threats facing the nation. “IT firms are not cybersecurity experts, a third-party pen test is a smart move to test your infrastructure security. We’ve been told repeatedly that we are 100% secure, but the reality is that many American businesses are not as secure as they are led to believe. We consider our organization a modern-day Paul Revere with the message, ‘The cyberattack is coming.’

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Grant Details and How to Apply

In January 2024, Cyber Umbrella was awarded a $2 million grant to offer third-party penetration testing and risk assessment reports for businesses under FTC and HIPAA compliance. These assessments are conducted by a vetted third-party pen testing firm and administered by Telco United Cyber after proper NDAs are signed.

Auto dealerships can apply for the penetration testing grants by visiting cyberumbrella.org/auto1000. This initiative provides dealerships with the opportunity to uncover potential weaknesses and take proactive steps to fortify their defenses against cyber-attacks, ultimately protecting personal information.

About Cyber Umbrella

Cyber Umbrella is a division of Love Vision Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity for American businesses. With a mission to provide penetration tests and inform businesses of potential vulnerabilities & security risks. Cyber Umbrella is committed to helping organizations stay ahead of cyber threats and protect their valuable assets. Visit our website at cyberumbrella.org

About Buff Motorsports Consulting

Buff Motorsports Consulting, based in Monmouth Beach, NJ is an automotive company that has been involved in the automotive and racing industry for over 30 years. Our mission has always been to bring best practice into the industry. Where it’s safe driver training, fixed ops, parts and accessories.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Michael Benson
Cyber Umbrella
+1 855-729-2371
email us here
Visit us on social media:
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Link: https://www.wate.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/721514574/cyber-umbrella-takes-action-with-cybersecurity-pen-testing-grant-and-risk-assessment-for-up-to-1000-auto-dealerships/

The American Dental Association (ADA) has highlighted a significant cybersecurity initiative on its ADA Huddle website, showcasing Cyber Umbrella’s $2 million grant program aimed at enhancing cybersecurity within dental practices across the United States[1].

As we move further into 2024, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the dental industry has never been more critical. Cyber Umbrella, a nonprofit organization, is taking proactive steps to address this growing concern by offering free penetration testing services to eligible dental practices.

The ADA Huddle feature underscores the dental community’s recognition of cyber threats as a major issue. With dental practices handling sensitive patient information daily, they have become prime targets for cybercriminals. This grant program provides a valuable opportunity for dentists to assess and strengthen their digital defenses without incurring significant costs.

Key points from the ADA Huddle post include:

1. Cyber Umbrella’s $2 million grant for free penetration testing
2. The rising importance of cybersecurity in dental practices
3. The opportunity for dentists to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their IT systems

This initiative comes at a crucial time when cyber-attacks on healthcare providers, including dental practices, are on the rise. By participating in this program, dentists can take a proactive approach to protecting their patients’ data and their practice’s reputation.

The ADA’s promotion of this grant program through its Huddle platform demonstrates the organization’s commitment to supporting its members in addressing critical issues like cybersecurity. It also highlights the dental community’s growing awareness of the need for robust digital protection measures.

As the year progresses, it’s expected that more dental practices will take advantage of this opportunity to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. The Cyber Umbrella grant program, as featured on ADA Huddle, represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the dental industry against evolving cyber threats in 2024 and beyond[1].

Citations:

[1] https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/cyber-umbrella-offers-2-million-dollar-grant-to-boost-cybersecurity-within-dental-practices/

In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity in the dental industry, Cyber Umbrella, a nonprofit organization, has awarded penetration testing grants to 20 dentists at the recent PEAK Event hosted by the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry (PAGD). This initiative aims to protect consumer data by identifying vulnerabilities in dental practice IT systems.

Michael Benson, founder of Cyber Umbrella, emphasized the critical nature of this effort: “Healthcare is a top target for cyberattacks, and dental practices have become a primary focus within the healthcare industry.” The organization’s goal is to reveal hidden vulnerabilities and prevent dental offices from operating under a false sense of security.

The timing of this initiative is crucial, as the FBI recently warned the American Dental Association about specific hacks targeting dental practices, projecting a 300% increase in small business attacks this year. Cyber Umbrella’s grants provide comprehensive third-party penetration tests and risk assessment reports, services that typically cost thousands of dollars.

Cyber Umbrella, a division of the nonprofit Love Vision Inc, is extending its offer beyond PAGD members. The organization is now receiving grant requests from across the country, reflecting growing nationwide concern about cybersecurity in the dental sector.

The importance of these penetration tests extends beyond immediate security concerns. Many cyber insurance companies now require annual third-party testing as a condition for approving future claims. Additionally, these tests could influence potential HIPAA fines in the event of a breach.

Dental practice owners are encouraged to apply for the Pen Testing Grant while funds are still available. Cyber Umbrella’s mission aligns with the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare, aiming to protect the thousands of personal records entrusted to each practice.

As part of their ongoing efforts, Cyber Umbrella is inviting all Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and dentists to attend the Greater New York Dental Meeting at the Jacob Javits Center in December 2024. This event will provide an opportunity for dental professionals to meet Michael Benson in person and discuss cybersecurity challenges facing the industry.

With cyberattacks on the rise, initiatives like Cyber Umbrella’s grant program play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive patient data and ensuring the security of dental practices across America.

Cyber Umbrella, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cyber security, has been awarded a significant grant of $2 million. This grant will enable the organization to offer Cyber Security Penetration tests to American businesses, helping them protect against potential cyber threats and attacks.

With the increasing reliance on technology and the rise of cybercriminals, the need for robust cyber security measures has become paramount. Cyber Umbrella aims to address this issue by providing free security tests to businesses across the country. Thanks to the generous grant, the organization will now be able to extend its services to an additional 2000 businesses, covering up to 5 computers per business.

The recent release of the Netflix movie “Leave the World Behind” has shed light on the potential catastrophic consequences of a cyber-attack. The movie portrays a scenario where all devices in America go down in a single day due to a cyber-attack. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cyber security in our increasingly interconnected world.

Telco United, a prominent Wyoming-based firm with a growing Cyber Security division, has also pledged a $2 million grant to Cyber Umbrella. Recognizing the urgent need for enhanced cyber security measures, Telco United Cyber aims to support organizations like Cyber Umbrella that are dedicated to educating businesses and defending against cyber threats.

Nikhil Bon, President of Telco United, shared his personal experience, saying, “I managed the IT for 400 computers, believing we were totally secure until the entire network went down. FBI investigation revealed that we had been under surveillance for months. This incident fueled my obsession with staying on the cutting edge of Cyber Security and partnering with organizations that educate businesses on effective defense strategies. Many businesses have a false sense of security, and this poses a serious threat to society as a whole.”

Businesses interested in applying for the Cyber Security Penetration test grants can do so easily by visiting the Cyber Umbrella website at cyberumbrella.org. The application process is quick and straightforward, enabling businesses to take a proactive step towards safeguarding their systems and data.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Benson
Founder of Cyber Umbrella
Email: michael@cyberumbrella.org

Cyber Umbrella is committed to playing the role of a modern-day Paul Revere, warning businesses about the impending cyber attack. Their message is clear: The cyber attack is coming, the cyber attack is coming and it’s crucial for businesses to be prepared.

About Cyber Umbrella

Cyber Umbrella is a division of Love Vision Inc a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cyber security and protecting businesses against cyber threats. The organization provides free Cyber Security Penetration tests to American businesses, helping them identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses. Cyber Umbrella’s mission is to raise awareness about the growing cyber threats and empower businesses to take proactive measures to safeguard their systems and data. For more information, visit cyberumbrella.org.