Cyber Security for Motor Trade — York & Yorkshire
Independent network security audit for dealerships, bodyshops, MOT centres, parts distributors, and fleet operators in Yorkshire. Protecting customer data, card payments, and supplier relationships. Fixed price £750.
Why motor trade businesses are attractive targets
The motor trade sits at an unusual intersection: high-value transactions, personal customer data, consumer finance and DVLA records, and payment card processing all in the same operation. A franchised dealership or independent bodyshop handles more sensitive data per transaction than most professional services firms — and does so across a mix of DMS software, workshop management systems, and point-of-sale hardware that is rarely secured as a coherent whole.
Business email compromise (BEC) targeting supplier payments is particularly acute in the motor trade. An attacker who gains access to your email — or credibly spoofs your domain — can intercept parts invoices and redirect payments to accounts they control. With invoice values running to thousands of pounds per order, even a single successful attack pays off substantially.
After-hours physical security is also a cyber consideration: connected CCTV, alarm systems, and workshop access control that is not properly segmented from the business network creates a second attack surface that is easy to overlook.
Charles Cassam, founder of Wolds Cyber, spent over a decade in automotive management across franchised dealerships and independent garages. That first-hand context means the findings come with practical remediation advice — not generic security-speak translated imperfectly from a different industry.
Cyber threats to Yorkshire motor trade businesses
Supplier invoice fraud (BEC)
Attackers compromise or spoof your email to intercept parts and service supplier invoices. Payment is redirected to a fraudulent account. Relies on weak email authentication (SPF/DMARC) or compromised credentials. High-value motor trade invoices make this disproportionately rewarding.
DMS & DOMS system access
Dealer Management Systems and Dealer Order Management Systems hold every customer, vehicle, finance, and transaction record. Ransomware targeting these systems can halt sales and service operations entirely. Remote access credentials for DMS vendors are a frequent weak point.
Customer data exposure
DVLA data, finance applications, insurance records, and personal contact details are held for every vehicle sold or serviced. A breach triggers GDPR notification obligations. The volume of data means even one compromise can affect hundreds of customers simultaneously.
Payment card compromise
Point-of-sale terminals that share a network with workshop or back-office systems are a PCI DSS compliance risk and a practical attack vector. Card data captured at the terminal level can be exfiltrated without triggering obvious alerts if network segmentation is absent.
Compliance obligations for motor trade
GDPR
You are a data controller for customer personal data including name, address, date of birth, financial information, and vehicle records. GDPR requires appropriate technical security measures. A breach without documented controls can result in ICO enforcement and significant fines.
PCI DSS
Any business taking card payments is in scope. Motor trade businesses taking deposits, parts, service, or MOT payments by card must meet PCI DSS requirements. Non-compliance can void your merchant account and create liability for card fraud losses.
Insurer requirements
Commercial motor trade insurance and premises policies are increasingly requiring evidence of cyber controls. Failure to demonstrate basic security hygiene can affect your cover or premiums. An independent audit report provides that evidence in a form insurers accept.
FCA obligations
If your dealership arranges consumer finance, you are regulated by the FCA. Consumer duty requirements include protecting customer data and ensuring business continuity. A cyber incident that exposes customer finance data carries both regulatory and reputational consequences.
Why Wolds Cyber for motor trade
Most cyber security consultants translate generic audit frameworks into motor trade terms. Charles Cassam worked in franchised dealer management and independent garage operations for over a decade before founding Wolds Cyber Ltd to focus on cybersecurity for the motor trade. The assessment uses that background directly — understanding how DMS remote access actually works in practice, how parts ordering flows create BEC exposure, and where workshop network topology creates unintended paths from floor to back office.
- First-hand automotive management experience — no translation gap between findings and operational reality
- Plain-English report written for business owners, not IT teams
- Fixed price £750 — no day rates, no scope creep, agreed before work starts
- Covers all five Cyber Essentials control areas plus DMS/DOMS-specific access review
- One consultant throughout — the person doing the work writes the report and takes the follow-up call
Frequently asked questions
Why are motor trade businesses targeted by cyber criminals?
Motor dealerships and bodyshops handle high-value transactions, consumer finance data, DVLA records, and payment card details — all attractive to attackers. Business email compromise targeting supplier payment instructions is particularly common in the motor trade, where large invoice values and fast payment cycles create pressure that works in an attacker's favour.
Do motor trade businesses need to comply with PCI DSS?
Yes, if your business takes card payments for parts, servicing, MOTs, or deposits, you are in scope for PCI DSS. Most small motor trade businesses fall under the Self-Assessment Questionnaire route, but non-compliance can void your merchant account and create liability for card fraud losses. An independent security audit helps identify gaps before they become incidents.
What insurer cyber requirements apply to motor trade?
Motor trade insurers are increasingly requiring evidence of cyber controls as a condition of commercial vehicle and premises cover. An independent audit report provides that evidence in a form insurers accept.
How much does a security audit cost for a Yorkshire motor trade business?
£750 fixed price for businesses on a single site. Includes the full on-site assessment, plain-English report, 30-minute follow-up call, and 30 days email support. No day rates, no scope creep.
Do you understand how motor trade operations actually work?
Yes. Charles Cassam spent over a decade in franchised dealer management and independent garage operations before moving into cyber security. The assessment applies that operational knowledge directly — findings and remediation advice are grounded in how motor trade businesses actually run, not translated from generic frameworks.
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We confirm whether the Wolds Cyber Audit is the right fit for your business and answer any questions before you commit. No sales pitch, no commitment required.
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