In this edition of Inside Automotive, we sit down with Brian McDonald, CEO of CDK Global, to discuss the company’s response to a significant cyber incident that shook the automotive industry this past summer. McDonald shares insights on how CDK bounced back, ensuring the safety of its dealer and OEM partners, while also shedding light on the company’s innovation roadmap as they move forward with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
1. In June 2024, CDK Global faced a cyberattack that led to a complete shutdown of its network. CDK prioritized securing dealer, OEM, and employee data, ensuring no data breaches occurred during the incident.
2. CDK employees demonstrated extraordinary commitment during the recovery process, working tirelessly, often sleeping on the floor, to restore services for dealers and ensure a secure environment.
3. The cyberattack was a major event in the automotive industry, with dealers comparing its severity and disruption to the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. CDK’s recovery time was well within industry benchmarks, reflecting the company’s resilience and the effectiveness of its partnerships with third-party advisors. Dealers rated CDK’s response highly, with praise from major groups like Sonic Automotive.
5. Post-recovery, CDK is focusing on accelerating innovation, particularly in AI and seamless workflows. At their annual CDK Connect event, they plan to unveil new technologies, including AI-driven tools like AVA.
"Bad things happen to good companies and good industries, and it's not so much about what happens, but how you respond to it. I couldn't be prouder of the CDK team and how we rose up to get our dealers back online in a safe and secure manner." — Brian McDonald.
