Automotive BDC data security regulations are constantly evolving to keep pace with changing technology and cyberthreat risks. In the past two years alone, multiple U.S. states have issued new or updated automotive security compliance laws. While it’s no secret that comprehensive data protection for automotive retailers is a must, it can be extremely challenging to track BDC security updates and ensure your company complies at global, federal, and state levels without the help of a trusted industry partner.
If you’re a veteran in the automotive space, you likely have a strong understanding of how BDC organizations handle sensitive customer information, as well as their deep commitment to ensuring BDC data security and protecting customer privacy. Your automotive location may even partner with a BDC that safeguards customer data to the best of its ability – but unless your BDC partner is on the cutting edge of automotive security compliance, you’re still a high-risk target for hackers.
What Drives Automotive BDC Data Security?
Our 8-Point Outline for Success
The first step in mitigating risk and maintaining compliance is to assess your current level of automotive BDC data security, because unfortunately, not all providers are created equal.
Below, we’ve listed eight critical factors your company should check to make sure customer information is secure and BDC regulations are met.
Data Encryption
Strong encryption protocols protect data in transit and at rest. Any data transmitted between BDC automotive systems and external networks must be encrypted and secured using industry-standard encryption technologies like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS).
Access Controls
Strict access controls limit access to customer data only to authorized personnel who require it for their job functions. Double-check that your controls include multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access controls (RBAC), and regular audits of user access privileges.
Security Training
All employees and agents must receive regular BDC security training, including directives on how to handle sensitive information, recognize phishing schemes, and report security incidents.
Regular Security Audits
Conducting regular security audits and assessments to proactively identify vulnerabilities is a vital component of BDC security. Along with internal audits, your security should include third-party assessments and penetration testing.
Regulation Compliance
Relevant BDC data security protection regulations and industry standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), must be followed. Is your current system up to date?
Incident Response Plan
Ensure you’ve developed a well-defined incident response plan to address potential security breaches. This plan should outline the protocol in case of a security incident, including immediate containment, investigation, notification, and remediation.
Secure Data Storage
Secure data centers and cloud storage providers with robust security measures are imperative for proper customer safekeeping. These data centers must have physical security controls, redundant power supplies, and backup systems to ensure data integrity and availability.
Data Minimization
If you currently have a BDC security provider, they should only collect and retain the minimum amount of customer data necessary for business operations, then securely dispose of data when it is no longer needed.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD, EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS
Why a BDC Security Partner Is an Automotive Must-Have
It’s rare that a year goes by without some regulatory update to automotive security compliance, so you need a BDC security partner who understands these updates and can keep your business above board. Increased cyberattacks in the automotive sector have also significantly increased, including large-scale ransomware attacks and attacks on telematics and application servers, which have played their part in spurring new legislation.
EV charging infrastructure has become a significant target for cyberattacks, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures.
Autonomous vehicles face risks like sensor manipulation, allowing attackers to deceive decision-making systems, cause accidents, disrupt traffic flow, or turn off critical fleets for malicious purposes
In 2022, UNECE R155 regulations mandated a Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) for all new vehicles. UNECE R155 is a milestone in automotive regulations that symbolizes a shift toward a balance of physical and digital vehicle safety.
A January 2025 ruling published by the U.S. Department of Commerce focuses on securing the supply chains of connected vehicle technologies and mitigating national security risks associated with these technologies.
Additional 2025 legislation regarding FCC lead generation regulations created new rules surrounding lead generation, transparency, and stricter compliance regarding customer consent to business communications.3 However, these regulations have recently been struck down by the Eleventh Circuit federal appellate court. An appeal is pending at the time of this writing.
In addition to keeping pace with new automotive security compliance measures, a proficient BDC security partner like Strolid can streamline inbound and outbound communications, optimize dealership operations, manage leads, set appointments, and reduce internal workloads by significant amounts.
Choose Strolid for Complete Automotive Security Compliance & BDC Security
Stay ahead of the competition, in step with automotive security compliance, and well above customer expectations with Strolid. Our robust solutions offer end-to-end customer communication services and seamlessly integrate with your CRM systems. We also work alongside your dealership and its existing CRM for complete transparency and accountability. In short, we help your dealership thrive with our unique balance of BDC automotive support. Partner with Strolid to gain these benefits and more:
Valuable insights into customer interactions, leads, and conversions
24/7 chat and lead response
AI notes and note transcription
Automotive data mining for car dealers
Full transparency and accountability
If the possibility of outsourced BDC has made its rounds through multiple team meetings, take the plunge with Strolid to see how a partnership with our BDC security team can empower your dealership, prepare it for the future, and ensure you remain on the cutting edge of automotive security compliance.
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How does an automotive BDC comply with data privacy regulations?
Automotive BDC security providers like Strolid must comply with data privacy regulations and follow the FTC Safeguards Rule that protects customers, demands meticulous standards, and follows BDC compliance guidelines. Strolid also provides industry-leading sales and service BDC solutions that are AI-driven yet human-powered to ensure the most comprehensive protections. Our signature systems also integrate with your existing CMS for a seamless transition.
How is customer information protected by an automotive BDC?
Automotive BDC compliance guidelines and the FTC Safeguards Rule require stringent BDC data security best practices and BDC customer information protection procedures. Automotive BDC providers must have a well-defined incident response plan to address potential security breaches or incidents and implement strict access controls to ensure data protection for automotive communications. Learn more about how Strolid maintains automotive BDC data security with a free consultation today.
What should customers expect regarding their data security when interacting with an automotive BDC?
Customers should expect their automotive BDC security partner to follow all customer information protection best practices and compliance guidelines. BDC partners should also provide transparent service that allows you to see, read, and listen to customers and Strolid employees. Request information about data encryption protocols and regular security audits to make sure client data will be protected and that all regulatory compliance rules are followed, including the FTC Safeguards Rule