India’s auto industry is changing fast due to new technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), connected vehicles, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The transformation reengineers auto companies but also raises new concerns, especially in the protection of Dealer Management Systems (DMS) from cyber threats.
Until 2025, Indian auto manufacturers (OEMs) must prioritise the protection of car dealerships as their top priority in order to safeguard important information and ensure that operations run smoothly.
Indian society also faces an increased risk of cybercrime. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) reports that India recorded 1,391,457 cybersecurity incidents in 2022, compared with 1,402,809 in 2021. The figure reflects elevated activity but not a significant rise.
Automobile dealerships are significant potential targets because they process sensitive personal information, including customer names, home addresses, and financial data. An online attack can incapacitate a business, damage its reputation, and cause significant financial losses.
This article discusses why Cybersecurity in DMS matters for Indian OEMs in 2025.
The Contribution of Technology in Indian OEMs
India’s automotive sector is predicted to grow to $300 billion by 2026, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF).
New technologies, such as AI, connected vehicles, and ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Ola, further drive this growth. However, these technologies rely on digital infrastructure, making strong cybersecurity essential.
OEMs employ Dealer Management Systems (DMS) for managing sales, inventory, customer details, and financials. These systems store sensitive information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Securing data in Data protection in automotive DMS is critical to prevent unauthorised access and maintain customer credibility.
Major Cybersecurity Threats for Indian OEMs in 2025
Indian OEMs take cybercrime very seriously. Maintaining cybersecurity in DMS is crucial as dealership networks grow.
According to PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights 2023 – India report, 65% of Indian leaders see cybercrime as one of the biggest threats to their organisations.
The top seven Cybersecurity threats in DMS for OEMs in 2025 are:
1. Ransomware: Cyber thieves encrypt your dealership network information and demand payment to unlock it. PwC’s Cyber Threats 2024 report shows a growing global ransomware trend, which increasingly affects Indian companies.
2. Social Engineering Attacks: Hackers deceive individuals via email or smishing to extract confidential information. Human error causes 88% of breaches, according to Verizon 2023.
3. Malware: Malware can infiltrate an OEM’s DMS through phishing, stealing critical information or disrupting operations.
4. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks flood dealership networks with traffic, slowing or halting operations. They often mask larger malware attacks.
5. Data Breaches: Hackers infiltrating DMS can sell customer information online anonymously. CERT-In responded to over 1.3 million cybersecurity threats in 2022.
6. Point-of-Sale (PoS) Attacks: Hackers target payment machines to steal credit card data. Mobile PoS units, common in India, are especially vulnerable.
7. Insider Threats: Employees or vendors may leak information accidentally or intentionally. A 2024 India EY poll found that 15% of cyberattacks involved insiders.
Real-time Cyber Threats in the Automotive Sector
Even if India-focused OEM attacks are fewer, global incidents highlight the threat. Prominent 2024 cases include:
How Can Indian OEMs Guarantee DMS Security?
Indian OEMs must enhance dealership safety and comply with DMS requirements. Securing DMS involves safe data handling, encrypted transactions, and 24/7 threat monitoring.
Eight effective measures include:
1. Verify IT Systems: Regularly check networks for vulnerabilities to prevent exploitation.
2. Implement Strong Security Procedures:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
- Encrypt and back up data
- Strong firewalls and DNS filtering.
- Frequent software updates
- 24/7 network monitoring
- Secure password managers
3. Ensure a Secure DMS: Select an encrypted DMS with robust data protection features.
4. Incident Response Plan: Prepare for immediate response to cyberattacks to minimise damage.
5. Train Employees: Conduct training to recognise phishing and other threats, reducing human error.
6. Secure Older Computers: Upgrade or secure older systems to prevent attacks.
7. Vulnerability Scanning: Regular scans and penetration testing identify and fix network weaknesses.
8. Purchase Cybersecurity Insurance: Insurance can mitigate losses due to cyberattacks.
NetFlows360: Enhancing DMS Security
Intelligent vehicles, agricultural machines, and factories are adopting NetFlows360 to simplify operations and strengthen DMS protection. Key features include:
AI-First, Future-Ready Platform: Converts legacy DMS into AI-based systems with continuous threat scanning and protection.
Operational Efficiency: Secures workflow across pre-sale, sales, service, inventory, spares, and finance management. Streamlines operations while safeguarding data.
Boost Sales and ROI: AI-driven insights reduce sales cycles by 60% and increase ROI by 40% while maintaining security.
Customisable, Scalable, & Secure: Supports 50 to 500+ outlets with automotive cybersecurity compliance features.
Made in India: Supports local firms and international companies with certified modules to comply with Cybersecurity in DMS standards.
Wrapping
Robust auto dealership security and DMS data protection are essential to safeguard customer information and ensure business continuity. By implementing advanced car dealership security systems, regular verification, and employee training, Indian OEMs can prevent cyber threats.
A secure DMS compliant with regulations builds trust and protects sensitive data. Act now to secure your dealership and focus on growth without the risk of cyberattacks.
Protect your dealership with NetFlows360. Boost DMS protection, train employees, and safeguard customer confidence. Act before a problem arises.
Cybersecurity FAQs
Cybersecurity keeps customer information safe and ensures smooth business operations. With cybercrime increasing by 24% in India (CERT-In, 2023), protecting OEMs prevents financial losses and reputational harm.
These include data breaches, malware, phishing, and ransomware. In 2023, 30% of ransomware attacks targeted small businesses, including dealerships (CERT-In).
A secure, encrypted DMS monitored in real-time protects data and ensures Dealer Management System compliance.
By using a secure DMS, encrypting data, monitoring systems, and training employees, dealerships comply with laws like the DPDP Act 2023 while maintaining cybersecurity.
Yes. Scalable DMS solutions and affordable tools like MFA and backups make robust cybersecurity in DMS accessible to OEMs of all sizes.