CDK updates dealers on status of sales software restoration after cyberattack [Video]

CDK Global, the company that powers sales for thousands of car dealerships across the U.S., says it has restored systems for a small group of dealers after it was hacked last week in what it later described as a “ransom event.”

“We have successfully brought a small initial test group of dealers live on the Dealer Management System (DMS), and once validation is complete we will begin phasing in other dealers,” the company said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch late Wednesday. A CDK spokesperson did not indicate how many dealerships were part of the initial test group whose systems have been restored. 

“We are also actively working to bring live additional applications — including our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Service solutions — and our Customer Care channels,” the company said, adding that it appreciates the urgency of the situation for its customers. 

According to a Bloomberg report, CDK is planning to pay a ransom to the group …