Cyberattack shuts down computer systems at thousands of auto dealerships, reports say

(KPHO/Gray News) - A reported cyberattack has impacted thousands of auto dealerships around the country with their computer systems being shut down.

CNN reports that data provider CDK Global, which is used by 15,000 auto dealers, has been affected in what it is calling a cyber incident.

CDK Global representatives said its team is investigating the situation, but as a precaution, the dealerships’ systems have been turned off.

“We are actively investigating a cyber incident,” CNN quoted CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney from a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers, we have shut down most of our systems and are working diligently to get everything up and running as quickly as possible.”

CBS News and Automotive News reported that the incident appeared to involve a hack into the company’s software, which has impacted dealers in multiple states.

As of Tuesday afternoon, some systems have returned, but several social media reports indicate that many dealers remain unable to process sales deals or other transactions.

Tech blog Bleeping Computer reported that the cyberattack prompted CDK to “shut down its IT systems, phones, and applications to prevent the attack’s spread.”

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