An independent cybersecurity review across many of New York’s largest auto dealerships reveals a wide range of results. Dealerships hold customers’ finance and credit data, yet many show significant vulnerabilities.
Using data from audit.emailmenow.com, we evaluated each dealership’s domain across SPF, DKIM, DMARC, transport security (MTA-STS/TLS), and website security headers.
Cybersecurity Scores of Major New York Auto Dealerships
Overall compliance scores from audit.emailmenow.com. Re-run any domain at the link to verify.
| Rank | Dealership Group | Domain | Overall Score | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northtown Automotive | northtownauto.com | 58% | Average |
| 1 | Paragon Automotive | paragonacura.com | 58% | Average |
| 3 | West Herr Auto Group | westherr.com | 54% | Average |
| 3 | Potamkin Auto Group | potamkin.com | 54% | Average |
| 5 | Atlantic Auto Group | atlanticautogroup.com | 38% | Weakest |
What the Results Reveal
- Scores top out at 58% (Northtown and Paragon) — no New York dealer group reaches a Good (64%+) or Strong posture.
- The field clusters in the 54–58% range with Atlantic Auto Group trailing at 38%.
- Weak email authentication makes it easier for attackers to impersonate the dealership and intercept customer or lender communications.
Why This Matters for Auto Dealerships
Auto dealers are classified as financial institutions under the FTC Safeguards Rule (16 CFR Part 314) and must maintain a documented information security program. Weak email authentication exposes dealers to BEC and wire fraud around vehicle deposits and floor-plan payments.
Check any dealership’s posture at audit.emailmenow.com/?industry=auto-dealers.
See also — national audit
Recommendations
- Enforce DMARC (
p=reject), strict SPF (-all), and DKIM signing. - Add MTA-STS and website security headers.
- Maintain a written information security program and security awareness training for sales and F&I staff.
Protect your dealership and your customers. Run a free Instant Cybersecurity Audit at audit.emailmenow.com/?industry=auto-dealers.
Contact EmailMeNow IT Consulting for help with email security hardening and a documented information security program.
Source & methodology: Overall compliance scores from the free scan at audit.emailmenow.com — each domain checked for email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), transport security (MTA-STS/TLS), website security headers, and network security. Re-run any domain at the link to verify.