Business 11 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 Digital safeguarding Nathan McHugh, associate account director at CARMA, on importance of ‘reputational airbags’ to soften the blow for your business in case of cyberattack Jaguar Land Rover was recently the latest in a growing line of major brands to be hit by cyberattacks. The media impact was nothing short of significant. Since the incident came to light in September, CARMA, a leading provider of media intelligence, tracked almost 13,000 articles generating an estimated 1.48 billion impressions. Most of the coverage (86.1%) carried a negative sentiment, reflecting mounting pressure on the company. Independent garages are increasingly reliant on digital systems — from parts ordering platforms and planning software to customer databases and diagnostic tools. While this technology has transformed efficiency, it has also created new vulnerabilities. When systems go down, operations grind to a halt, customer data may be compromised, and the financial impact can be severe. For independent garages operating on tight margins, even a few days of disruption could prove catastrophic. But beyond the immediate operational challenges, there’s another critical concern: your reputation. The reality is that cybercriminals don’t just target large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses are often viewed as easier targets because they typically have fewer security measures in place. From our experience working with brands facing crisis situations, we’ve seen that proactive and transparent communication is essential. The moment you suspect or confirm a breach, clear communication becomes your most valuable tool. Customers need reassurance about their data and clear guidance on any steps they should take. Suppliers and partners need to understand how the incident affects them. Employees need to know their role too. Speed matters but so does accuracy. It’s better to communicate what you know, even if it’s limited, than stay silent while speculation mounts. Regular updates show you are actively managing the situation. Use every appropriate platform including social media, email, newsletters and phone calls to reach those affected. How you communicate can mean the difference between customers who stand by you afterwards and those who may take their business elsewhere. While we can’t advise on technical security measures, we do advise you have a communication plan in place. In the event of a crisis, this will allow you to respond quickly, effectively and to protect your operations and reputation — arguably one of the most valuable assets for any independent garage owner. Visit www.carma.com for more information, or to better understand your audience and competitors. For peace of mind always use a Garage Equipment Association member. GEA accredited engineers work to an industry code of conduct. Your assurance their skills and knowledge have been independently assessed. IS YOUR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER GEA ACCREDITED? Ask your engineer for his accreditation card ! The Upholders of Industry standards since 1945 The Garage Equipment Association www.gea.co.uk GEA ACCREDITED ENGINEER Name Company Discipline Exp Date ID Number XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456
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