Car dealerships typically need 8–12 core IT systems to stay secure, compliant, and operational. For dealerships with 10–150 employees, these systems are usually delivered through a managed IT model costing $125–$275 per user per month. At a minimum, dealerships must meet FTC Safeguards Rule requirements, cyber-insurance security standards, and OEM expectations—while also supporting dealership-specific platforms like DMS, CRM, and OEM portals. Missing even one of these systems can result in downtime, failed audits, or customer data exposure.
The 8 Core IT Systems Every Secure Dealership Needs
1. Managed IT & Endpoint Management
Centralized monitoring, patching, and support for all workstations, laptops, and servers used by sales, service, and administrative staff.
2. Advanced Cybersecurity Protection
Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR), firewall management, and threat monitoring to stop ransomware and zero-day attacks.
3. Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access for DMS, CRM, Microsoft 365, and OEM systems.
4. Secure Network Infrastructure
Segmented networks for sales, service, guest Wi-Fi, and vendors to prevent lateral movement during an attack.
5. Backup & Disaster Recovery
Encrypted, immutable backups with documented recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO).
6. Compliance & Risk Management Controls
Policies, documentation, and technical safeguards aligned with the FTC Safeguards Rule and cyber-insurance requirements.
7. Email & Collaboration Security
Advanced spam filtering, phishing detection, and secure configuration of Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
8. Vendor & Third-Party Access Control
Secure, auditable access for OEMs, vendors, and remote support providers without exposing the full network.
Compliance Requirements Automotive Dealers Must Meet
Most dealerships are subject to:
- FTC Safeguards Rule (customer financial data protection)
- Cyber-insurance security baselines (MFA, EDR, backups)
- OEM and lender security expectations
- State data breach notification laws
What Breaks First When These Systems Are Missing
- Sales and service operations go offline during peak hours
- Ransomware locks access to DMS or CRM systems
- Cyber-insurance claims are delayed or denied
- Compliance audits fail with little warning
Real Dealership Example
A 40-employee, two-rooftop dealership moved from break-fix IT to a fully managed security model. Within 90 days, phishing incidents dropped by 70%, backups were fully tested, and the dealership passed a cyber-insurance audit without remediation requirements.
Why Dealerships Choose a Managed IT Model
Most dealerships bundle these systems into a fixed-price managed IT plan to reduce risk gaps, simplify compliance, and control costs—rather than buying tools individually.
Typical range: $125–$275 per user/month, depending on size, locations, and security maturity.
