The warning comes just weeks after industry experts raised concerns over the security of workshop database systems, with fears that hundreds of garages that operate their own computer systems may have been hacked.
Speaking at an Independent Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) network meeting in Leeds last week, Ian O’Brien, who has 15 years experience in cybercrime law enforcement, warned that many cybercrime victims will not know that they have been targeted.
He said: “Cyber criminals are trying to get into your business, infect your computers and collect information.
‘There is a market for your data’
“They want your profit, they want your intellectual property rights and they want your data and there is a market out there for your data.”
2.5 million hacks were recorded in 2015 but only 250,00 cybercrimes were reported – just 12.5 per cent of those were solved, according to figures presented by O’Brien.
O’Brien suggests that it’s easier than you think to find yourself to be a victim.
Loosing data
One example he gave was through ‘social engineering’ whereby criminals build a personal profile from your social media account, revealing what you like, where you go and what you do.
A carefully placed memory stick left in your waiting room might contain a file, conveniently named with something that will be of direct interest to you.
Clicking such file could immediately release your data to hackers.
Another method which O’Brien says is particularly common is ‘ransomware’, where criminals access your computer through an email, freeze your data and demand that you pay to have your data released.
Real threat
Talking about the recent investigation by the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), Jason Moseley, executive director at RMI Bodyshops said: “We have direct evidence that data entered into bodyshop systems has found its way, in a matter of hours, into the hands of third party organisations.
“As part of an internal investigation, one of the bodyshops involved entered fictitious data into the system to attempt to draw out a reaction.
“Within a few hours of this data entry, a call was received from an accident management company trying to leverage a compensation claim.”The advice for garages is to ensure that you update your software and anti-virus, turn on your firewalls, protect your passwords and back up your data.
“When making payments online, always look for the green padlock in the URL tab,” O’Brien adds.
Are you concerned about cyber security? Have you got measures in place to prevent loss of data? Please leave your comments below.