CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A global computer hack has impacted the ability of some West Virginia automobile dealers to conduct day-to-day business.
Jared Wyrick, president of the West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, said the hack was a ransom attack on a software program called CDK Global. The attack, which started last week, accessed the software data, locked it up with an encryption key, and is now demanding payment before allowing it to be accessed by the owners.
“It was a ransom event and there are reports it was a ‘black suit’ ransomware. Black suit is formally known as ‘royal’ in this sector and it extends out of an Eastern European crime syndicate,” he explained.
A few West Virginia dealers use the CDK Global software to run day to day operations and they were unable to access any of the tools the software offered for closing transactions. However, because the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles has been proactive, Wyrick said it has enabled all dealers to continue to do business in spite of the cyber attack.
He said thanks to the DMV’s software called VRS for “Virtual Registration System” there is a workaround for those who use the CDK products.
“Even though the dealerships can’t access through CDK, they can still access VRS. Dealers can go online, submit the paperwork, and proceed to continue doing business,” he explained. “Of course, there’s going to be some kinks for those who have CDK, since they are going to have to hand write the deal, scan it into the computer and get it into the VRS system which ultimately ends up at the DMV.”
The West Virginia DMV is offering online workshops to help dealers who need assistance getting up to speed on the VRS system. Wyrick did not know how long it would take for the CDK system to return to normal operations.