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Low-Cost Steps Can Prepare For, Prevent Cybersecurity Disruptions by John Yoswick Autobody News
Collision repair shops of all sizes in 2024 likely felt the impact of a cyberattack, albeit indirectly. Two such attacks on CDK Global over the summer hindered parts departments and body shop operations at thousands of dealerships around the country.
had no direct connectivity, but our operations were stopped and we had to pull people off of projects. And it took us months to clean that up.” It demonstrated how deep the connection is among shops and suppliers, she said, and it prompted Caliber to look more closely at all of its dependencies and planning what it would do “if another CDK happened.”
A panel discussion on cybersecurity at the MSO Symposium included, from left: Caliber Collision’s Ashley Denison, Spencer Colemere of Cisco, Jerry Davis of Microsoft and Kyle Rankin of CCC Intelligent Solutions.
The disruption also affected independent collision repairers who order parts from those dealers -- a good example of how cybersecurity at shops goes beyond securing their own systems and data. “CDK was like a fifth-level supplier to us. It was not on our radar, but it had such a big impact,” Ashley Denison, chief information officer for Caliber Collision, acknowledged during a panel discussion on data security at the MSO Symposium in Las Vegas. “Our shops couldn’t order parts. We had to make sure that [our systems] were safe and secure and
“It’s not just about protecting Caliber, but how do we react when something outside of Caliber happens,” Denison said. Think about what your company would do, she suggested, if, say, CCC Intelligent Solutions had a similar issue and went down for days or weeks. “What would you do to continue to bring revenue into your locations?” Denison asked. “So thinking through all those pieces of the chain from revenue and suppliers, and either
Vol. 43 / Issue 2 / February 2025 REGIONAL NEWS
CIF, Automakers Offer Support To Victims of Los Angeles Wildfires Wildfires sweeping through Southern California have left destruction in their wake, forcing evacuations, destroying homes and businesses, and threatening entire communities. The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is rallying to support professionals in the collision repair industry who have been impacted. “The devastation caused by these wildfires is heartbreaking, and our hearts are with those whose lives have been upended,” CIF said in an email. CIF encourages industry professionals and community members to participate in two critical ways: Referral Assistance: If you know someone in the collision repair
industry affected by the wildfires, CIF urges you to direct them to CIF’s online application. A CIF volunteer will promptly reach out to ensure they receive the necessary support. Donations: The foundation has launched a dedicated campaign to raise funds for affected professionals. Donations, which are tax-deductible, will go directly to those in need. Donors can contribute via the CIF website. CIF’s efforts come as part of its longstanding mission to support members of the collision repair industry in times of need. Whether through direct financial aid or connecting victims with resources, the foundation remains a critical l CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
REGIONAL NEWS
Largest Independent Body Shop in U.S. Set To Close After 33 Years in Business Leif’s Auto Collision Center in Tigard, OR, America’s largest independent body shop, is preparing to close its doors in April, marking the end of a 33-year legacy. Leif Hansen, founder and owner of the expansive facility, which covers 5 acres and includes 130,000 square feet, confirmed the closure, which was first reported by The Oregonian. “We are retiring here,” Hansen told KOIN 6 News. “Last cars will get out of here at the beginning of April.”
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 17
Mike Anderson: 10 Things I’d Like to See in 2025 in the Collision
16
Abby Andrews: The Cost of Contamination: How to Clean Up Your
Repair Industry
Paint Department to Drive Profit
14
Stacey Phillips Ronak: AI Will Augment – Not Replace – Invaluable Role of ‘Human Intelligence’ in Collision Industry
22
John Yoswick: Automaker Details Repair Procedure Development, Says It Will Audit Certified Shops
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