7 Ways Auto Repair Shops Can Strengthen Cybersecurity and Protect Customer Data
In today’s digital world, auto repair shops are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. From phishing scams to data breaches, cybercriminals target businesses of all sizes, including independent repair shops. With customer data, payment information and business records stored digitally, implementing strong cybersecurity practices is more critical than ever. Ratchet + Wrench talked to Taylor Fuqua, Tekmetric's chief technology officer, about his recommendations.
Taylor Fuqua, is the chief technology officer at Tekmetric.
Taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity not only protects customer data but also builds trust, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures long-term success in an increasingly digital industry. Here are seven essential steps every auto repair shop can take to protect their data and customers.
1. Enforce Strong Password Policies
Weak passwords are a significant security risk. According to Fuqua, he says, “The best advice is to use strong passwords with at least 12 characters.” Shops should implement policies requiring long, complex passwords and encourage employees to use a password manager to securely store them.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a text message code or biometric scan. This extra step makes it significantly harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
2. Educate Employees on Cyber Threats
Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Regular training on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails, is crucial.
Fuqua recalls a common scam: “An employee receives an email offering free airline miles, but clicking the link compromises their credentials.” Educating staff on these tactics can prevent costly mistakes. Cybersecurity should be part of employee onboarding and included in an updated employee handbook.
Immediately revoking departing employees' access to shop systems should be a standard part of the exit process, according to Fuqua.
3. Secure Business Networks
Shops should ensure their network security is up to date. A secure firewall is essential for blocking malicious traffic. Additionally, shops should separate their business Wi-Fi from guest Wi-Fi, ensuring customers cannot access sensitive business data.
When employees leave, immediately revoking their access to shop systems is another crucial step. “Disengaging access should be a standard part of the exit process,” Fuqua advises.
4. Move to Cloud-Based Systems
One of the largest security risks for small businesses is storing customer and business data on local computers. Moving to a cloud-based shop management system like Tekmetric provides built-in security measures, including automatic backups and encrypted storage.
“In 2024, Tekmetric maintained 99.9 percent uptime and continues to push updates daily, ensuring security protections are always up to date,” Fuqua says. Unlike traditional systems, cloud-based solutions remove the risk of data loss from hardware failures or cyberattacks.
5. Implement Role-Based Permissions
Not every employee needs access to all shop data. Using role-based permissions ensures that staff members only see the information relevant to their job.
Tekmetric tracks logins and suspicious activity, allowing shop owners to monitor who is accessing data. This helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive customer information and strengthens overall security.
Tekmetric partners with Stripe to maintain PCI compliance, ensuring that payment processing meets the highest security standards.
6. Ensure Payment Security and Compliance
Handling customer payments securely is critical. To secure credit card transactions, shops must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Fuqua advises against collecting credit card information over the phone. Instead, shops should use secure digital payment options such as text-to-pay. Tekmetric partners with Stripe to maintain PCI compliance, ensuring that payment processing meets the highest security standards.
7. Keep Software and Security Systems Updated
Cyber threats evolve constantly, and outdated software can leave businesses vulnerable. Shops should schedule security updates at least twice a year, or opt for systems that automatically push updates.
“Updating software protections regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent cyberattacks,” Fuqua emphasizes. Continuous audits, such as those required for ISO 27001 certification, ensure that businesses follow best practices for security.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Auto Repair
As more shops transition to digital solutions, cybersecurity will continue to be a top priority. Investing in modern security measures not only protects customer data but also builds trust and credibility with customers.
By following these seven best practices – enforcing strong passwords, educating employees, securing networks, using cloud-based systems, implementing role-based permissions, ensuring payment security, and keeping software updated – auto repair shops can significantly reduce their cybersecurity risks.
For shop owners seeking to strengthen their security posture, partnering with trusted providers like Tekmetric can offer expert guidance and advanced security solutions, keeping their business ahead of evolving cyber threats.
