How do cybersecurity attacks happen? You’ve probably seen (and prevented) one or two of the most common cybersecurity threats at your hotel already. Here are some of the most common ways criminals try to access your hotel’s secure data:
1. Phishing Attacks:
These attacks start with a fraudulent email, text message, or phone call that tricks an employee into sharing sensitive information. For example, your hotel might receive an email that appears to come from an online travel agency, asking you to click on a link to prevent your hotel listing from being deactivated.
An employee who is unaware of this type of attack might click on the link and inadvertently share financial or personal information with the attacker.

2. Ransomware Attacks:
In this type of attack, malware locks your device until a ransom is paid, usually a sum of money in cryptocurrency. This can render hotel software useless for days. In 2023, a ransomware attack hit MGM Resorts and took its systems offline for 60 hours, meaning its property management system was down, unable to process key cards, collect payments, or manage parking.

3. Data Breaches:
Any theft of sensitive information, such as credit card data and passport numbers, is considered a data breach. Hotels are major targets for data breaches because of the amount of data they handle.
Marriott was the victim of a massive data breach in 2018, where the personal information of more than 500 million guests was exposed.

4. Insider Threats:
While many cyberattacks originate outside the organizations being attacked, it is not uncommon for internal operations to occur.
When employees have broad access to guest information, financial data, and passwords, it is possible for data theft or security leaks to happen.
Maintaining proper access control of systems and conducting regular employee training on security protocols will help reduce the risk of an insider threat.

keywords:
hotels
Cyber
Employees
Data
Security Protocols