Why Tire Dealers Need to Fortify Their Data

When you think of your shop’s most valuable assets, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s expensive shop equipment or the price that comes with employing skilled technicians. These are great answers, but the experts from Torqata, a data analytics software company that works mainly with tire manufacturers, distributors and retailers, suggest the answer may be a bit less tangible.

“Tire dealers handle a wide range of sensitive data. Customers provide addresses, emails, phone numbers, and even identification details for their vehicles. Protecting this customer data is paramount,” says Tim Eisenmann, CEO of Torqata.

A tire dealer’s sensitive data – including customer information and internal operational data – might be their most valuable assets, yet often times it can be some of their least protected resources.

“Modern times have seen a shift towards web-based shop management systems. This exposes businesses to a range of cyber threats, including phishing and ransomware,” adds AJ Pryor, Chief Technical Officer at Torqata. “Human error remains a significant vulnerability.”

On this episode of What’s Treading with Tire Review, Eisenmann and Pryor join us to explain just how sensitive and vulnerable tire dealer data can be, some of the most common cyber attacks on tire dealers, the steps that can be taken to improve data security, and even a few of the industry standards and certifications that tire dealers should be aware of.

This is an audio-only version of our episode with Torqata. Go ahead, you’re already here – take a listen! But, if you’re looking for moving pictures, click here.

Over the last few years, Wegmann Automotive has found diversification to be a huge boon for business, whether that comes from various wheel weights options or the acquisition of Alligator TPMS in 2019.

"I think everybody's always looking for ways to grow their organizations. We have a very large amount of business in the wheel weight space," says Greg Parker, the national account sales and marketing director for Wegmann Automotive. "In order for us to continue to grow, we need to get outside of that and grow into new product areas. We're excited about this. I mean, obviously, valves are a critical component of wheels and tires. The more that we can put in that box or put on that pallet to ship to our customers, the better it is for them and the better it is for us."