Software maker CDK is working to bring its systems back online after a second cyberattack, which has disrupted its operations and those of its clients. According to a statement from CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney, the company has begun the restoration process and is engaging with customers to provide alternative ways to conduct business. However, a specific timeline for the recovery has not been provided.
A prerecorded phone message for CDK customers confirmed that the company’s flagship dealer management software remains largely inoperable, and no DMS integration tasks can be performed. CDK’s software is used by about 15,000 dealerships across North America, and the outages have had a significant impact on their operations.
The first cyberattack, reportedly a ransomware attack, began on June 19, and CDK confirmed it experienced a second attack later that day. It is unclear if the second attack was related to the first. The hackers are demanding tens of millions of dollars in ransom, but it is not yet known if CDK has or plans to pay the ransom.
As a result of the outages, dealerships across the United States are facing disruptions. Group 1 Automotive, one of the largest U.S. car dealerships, reported continued disruptions across its U.S. operations, while other companies that rely on CDK software, including Sonic Automotive and Penske, have also reported outages.
