IT Security in Hotels: The Key to Protecting Business and Guest Trust

"Our work is disabled. Communication with clients and partners via email, creating offers, dispatch notes, and invoices has stopped." This is just one of the statements from employees in companies worldwide that have suffered cyber-attacks. The hospitality sector is no exception. With the constant growth of the industry, the number of threats has significantly increased, especially with technological advancements. IT security in hotels is becoming a crucial issue, not only for data protection but also for maintaining the reputation and trust of guests.

What is Cybersecurity in the Hospitality Industry?

IT security in hotels encompasses software and processes that protect a wide range of sensitive data that hotels and resorts collect from their guests.

For hoteliers, IT security in hotels means not only protecting guest information, such as credit card details and personal preferences, but also securing internal systems from cyber threats such as data breaches or ransomware attacks. Recognizing and investing in IT security is not just a matter of risk management. It is also about preserving the reputation of your establishment and providing a safe, uninterrupted experience for every guest.

In this text, we will explain everything you need to know about IT security in hotels, including what it is, how you can be hacked, the consequences, and how to protect yourself.

Why is IT Security in Hotels Essential?

The hospitality industry processes large amounts of personal and financial guest data daily, including names, addresses,credit card numbers, and passport numbers. Protecting this data through effective IT security is essential in a constantly evolving sector. A single cyber-attack or data breach can trigger a chain reaction, leading to loss of guest trust, significant damage to brand reputation, and severe financial losses.

According to research, as many as 31% of hotels have experienced some form of cyber-attack, and repeated incidents are not uncommon.

Key Reasons to Invest in IT Security in Hotels

1.     Data and Information Protection for Guests

Every guest expects hotels and other hospitality establishments to protect their sensitive data. The most sensitive data includes:

·       Names,

·       Addresses,

·       Dates of birth,

·       Credit card information.

These are the types of information that cyber criminals can use for identity theft or sell on the dark web. Therefore,it is important to protect them.

2.     Mitigating Financial Losses

According to a 2023 cybersecurity company Trust wave survey, nearly 31% of hospitality businesses reported data breaches, and 89% of them experienced repeated attacks within a year. The average cost per incident is $3.4 million.

These data highlight the critical need for strong IT security measures in the hospitality sector to protect sensitive guest data and preserve the company's reputation.

3.     Preventing Business Interruptions and Reputation Damage

The financial costs directly associated with an attack or data breach are just the beginning of potential consequences.Phishing, D Do S attacks, spoofing, and ransomware can significantly disrupt operations. Worse, they can undermine public trust and damage the brand's reputation, leading to significant revenue losses and recovery challenges through lawsuits and fines.

4.     Preparing for the Future

Cyber crime poses a serious threat and continues to grow as hotels and other hospitality businesses adopt new technologies. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the costs associated with cyber crime will grow at a rate of 15% annually from 2020 to 2025, reaching a total of $10.5 trillion in 2025 compared to $6 trillion in 2021.

You can read more about this topic in the article: Cyber crime To Cost The World $10.5 Trillion Annually By 2025

Implementing strong IT security measures is crucial to protect businesses from the effects that can cause widespread damage after an attack.

Types of Cyber Threats in the Hospitality Industry

Typical types of cyber threats faced by the hospitality industry include:

• D Do S attacks - during D Do S attacks, attackers overwhelm the system with connection requests. Due to the large volume of requests, the system cannot respond, leading to delays and interruptions in service, which seriously affects the user experience.
• Phishing - this cunning form of cyber-attack often occurs via emails that appear to come from trusted senders, such as hotel managers or directors. The goal of these emails is to deceive the recipient - whether a guest or an employee - into clicking on a link or revealing personal information.

You can read more about phishing attacks in our text Phishing Attacks: How to Recognize and Protect Yourself from Fake Emails?

How to Prevent Phishing Attacks in Hotels?

Phishing attacks are often carried out via emails that look legitimate but aim to steal confidential information, such as passwords and financial information. To prevent these attacks, it is crucial to educate employees on how to recognize suspicious emails and avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments. Additionally, using advanced filters to identify and  block phishing messages, as well as regularly monitoring network activities, can significantly reduce the risk of such threats. These measures help protect  sensitive guest data and the integrity of hotel systems.

• Network breaches - hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues often provide guests with wireless internet. Additionally, hospitality businesses rely on the internet and connected devices, such as interactive room screens and smart thermostats, making them vulnerable to attacks that allow criminals to steal information.
• Ransomware - during this type of attack, criminals use malicious software to infect systems and files, blocking access for employees and the business. In these cases, attackers     usually contact the company and demand a ransom, threatening to use or destroy the information otherwise.

Three Recent Examples of Cyber Attacks in the Hospitality Industry

1. MGM Resorts Hack

In 2023, MGM Resorts suffered one of the largest cyber-attacks, costing the company over $100 million. The attack began with a "vishing" technique, where hackers tricked employees and gained access to super administrator accounts. The consequences were severe:guest data was stolen, digital room keys did not work, and restaurants only accepted cash.

This incident highlighted the need for stronger security protocols and continuous employee training.

2. Motel One Hacked

The budget hotel chain Motel One was targeted by the AlphV/BlackCat group. Personal guest data and credit card details were stolen. The group claimed to have stolen over 24 million files,including reservations and internal documents. Although the company tried to mitigate the consequences, the incident caused damage to reputation and client trust.

3. Caesars Entertainment Ransom

The attack on Caesars Entertainment in September 2023 resulted in the theft of a loyal customer database, including social security numbers and driver's license numbers. The company paid a $15million ransom to avoid data disclosure. Despite the payment, recovery and legal process costs are still rising.

How to Protect Against Cyber Threats in Hotels

Protecting hotels from cyber threats requires a comprehensive approach. This approach primarily includes:

·       employee education,

·       implementation of advanced security solutions, and

·       continuous system monitoring.

A key step is investing in IT security in hotels, which involves applying technologies such as anti-phishing filters, network protection, and ransomware prevention solutions. This way,hotels can effectively protect sensitive guest data and ensure business continuity.

We at Unija Sibit specialize in providing comprehensive IT security solutions for hotels. Our expertise includes employee training, the application of state-of-the-art technologies,and continuous system monitoring. We help you protect your business, maintain guest trust, and ensure the reputation of your hotel.

• We offer the following services for hotels:
• Guest data protection - implementation of advanced encryption systems.
• IT environment security review - consulting and upgrading the computer environment (computers, networks, and servers).
• Employee training - programs for recognizing and preventing phishing attacks in hotels.
• Threat monitoring and detection - systems for real-time threat identification.
• Creating customized solutions - specific solutions for hotel infrastructure.

Conclusion

IT security in hotels is not just a technical challenge but a business necessity. By investing in security, you not only protect your guests but also ensure thelong-term reputation and success of your business. Contact us to build a secure future for your hotel together.

Learn more about our services at the link.

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