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There’s light at the end of the tunnel this Monday as CDK starts the restoration process of its DMS. Today, we discuss the identity of their hacker, give an update on the Hyundai-Amazon partnership and look at a Chick-Fil-A summer camp that has the internet in an uproar. 

Show Notes with links:

• As of this weekend it was reported that CDK Global has initiated the restoration process following crippling cyberattacks referred to as a ransom event. This process, expected to take several days, has left dealerships across the U.S. and Canada struggling to operate normally. Meanwhile, we have a potential glimpse into who did it. 
  • The restoration process for major applications for the over 15k dealerships affected  is expected to take several days, meanwhile dealerships have been busy re-innovating using manual processes to continue operations.
  • Meanwhile, a report by bleepingcomputer.com over the weekend claims to know the hacking group responsible citing the same inside anonymous sources that have been providing accurate information throughout the entire situation
  • BlackSuit launched in May 2023, believed to be a rebrand of Royal ransomware.
  • Royal Ransomware, and BlackSuit, are successors of the notorious Conti cybercrime syndicate.
• Hyundai Motor America is encouraging more dealers to join its Amazon retail program ahead of its consumer launch later this year.
  • Randy Parker, Hyundai’s U.S. CEO, updated dealers on the program's progress, enabling shoppers to buy a Hyundai online.
  • An email from Hyundai offered interested dealers the chance to sign up via an online portal without commitment, touting benefits like access to millions of shoppers and the potential for incremental sales.
  • The beta phase received positive feedback from both customers and dealers, with Amazon continuing to test and refine the online vehicle shopping experience.
  • However, Amazon's onboarding capacity is limited, raising questions about prioritization.
  • Don Hall, president of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, expressed concerns about trade-ins and leasing: "We don't want to see this car sold off to outside folks who sell used cars online. It's not a small point, it's a big point."
• The introduction of a $35 “Chick-fil-A Summer Camp” for children aged 5 to 12 at a Louisiana location sold out quickly but faced criticism on social media.
  • The camp offers a behind-the-scenes look at working at Chick-fil-A, with sessions running for three hours over nine days in July.
  • Attendees receive a kid’s meal, T-shirt, name tag, and snack, and spend time with “Team Leaders” and the Chick-fil-A cow mascot.
  • Chick-fil-A representatives clarified that the children will engage in activities with employees acting as counselors, not performing staff tasks.
  • Mike Rowe, host of “Dirty Jobs,” defended the camp, emphasizing the importa

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