When it comes to protecting customer information at your dealership, even the most robust information security program will fail without one critical component: employee training.
Why Training Matters
Your dealership collects some of the most sensitive customer information in any retail environment. From social security numbers to financial records, this data represents a goldmine for potential bad actors—and a significant liability for your business.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule now mandates that all employees who have access to customer information receive information security awareness training. This isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement that carries potential penalties of over $55,000 per violation.
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Training Requirements
Effective safeguards training should reflect the specific risks identified in your dealership’s written risk assessment and address the unique challenges faced by different roles within your organization. A comprehensive training program should include:
- Role-specific privacy training that differentiates between the needs of sales personnel, finance managers, and service technicians
- Information security awareness training that helps employees recognize and respond to threats
- Proper data handling procedures including document retention and disposal requirements
- Phishing awareness to help staff recognize increasingly sophisticated email, text, and voice-based attacks
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The effectiveness of information security training is measurable and significant. Industry research shows that untrained employees fail simulated phishing tests approximately 30% of the time. After receiving proper training, that failure rate drops dramatically to around 4%.
With 91% of all hacking attempts beginning with phishing, this represents a substantial reduction in your dealership’s vulnerability profile.
Continuous Learning
Training isn’t a one-time event. The Safeguards Rule requires that key information security personnel take ongoing steps to maintain current knowledge of changing security threats and countermeasures. Your qualified individual and information security team should stay informed about emerging threats and ensure that training content evolves accordingly.
How KPA Helps
At KPA, we understand the unique challenges auto dealers face in safeguarding customer information. Our comprehensive training solutions help you meet your compliance obligations while protecting your customers and your business.
KPA’s Privacy and Safeguards training program includes:
- Role-based training modules designed specifically for dealership personnel
- Regular updates that reflect changing regulatory requirements and emerging threats
- Simulated phishing exercises that test your staff’s ability to recognize and respond to potential attacks
- Targeted remedial training for employees who need additional support
- Detailed reporting to demonstrate compliance with FTC requirements
By partnering with KPA for your privacy and safeguards training needs, you not only reduce your regulatory risk but also build a culture of security awareness that protects your customers’ data and your dealership’s reputation.
Next Week, Let’s Look at Training
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