I’ve seen first-hand how devastating cyber attacks can be for businesses of all kinds. However, what might surprise you is that hotels are one of the most prime targets for these kinds of attacks. That’s right, your favorite vacation spot or home away from home might be more vulnerable than you ever could have imagined. So why are hotels such popular targets for hackers? And what can be done to protect them (and you) from these attacks? In this article, I’ll be decoding the surprising truth behind why hotels are prime targets for cyber attacks and providing insight into what needs to be done to combat this growing threat.

Why are hotels the third most targeted industry for cyber security attacks?

The hospitality industry: An attractive target for cyber attackers

The world of hospitality, including hotels, casinos, resorts, and restaurants, is a significant target for cyber attackers due to various reasons. Firstly, the industry generates a vast amount of personal and sensitive data, such as credit card information, contact details, and travel plans, making its networks highly attractive to hackers. Secondly, most hospitality industry players have not traditionally kept up with the fast-paced change in technology and, therefore, have outdated systems that are easily penetrable. Thirdly, with the rapid advancement of interconnected systems, hospitality has become an attractive target for cyberattacks, which can affect the greater supply chain connected to the businesses.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks in hotels and resorts

Poorly secured or unsecured Wi-Fi networks have made hotels and resorts prime targets for cyber attackers. Guests of hotels often use their mobile devices to access these networks to surf the internet, email, and connect with friends and family members. However, hackers can use vulnerabilities present in these systems to access guest data. Unsecured networks have made it easier for hackers to execute attacks such as spear-phishing, malware downloads, man-in-the-middle attacks, and others.

• Hotels that offer free or public Wi-Fi should consider developing policies to oversee its use and security.
• Hotels should have an authentication procedure for Wi-Fi networks and ensure that guests are aware of recommended security protocols before use.

Payment processing systems: A gateway for cyber criminals

Cybercriminals also target payment processing systems due to the valuable data they can access through these systems. Hotels and resort chains process millions of credit card transactions every day, making them a prime target for credit card fraudsters and other cyberattacks. Payment processing systems often have weaknesses that attackers can exploit to access credit card data.

It is therefore essential for hotels and resorts to use the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) procedure to ensure that credit card information is secure. This involves encrypting credit card data in transit, ensuring that physical machines and systems that store sensitive data are secure, and regularly auditing payment systems to detect and prevent suspicious activities.
Failure to comply with PCI DSS guidelines can have significant consequences such as legal action and reputation damage.

Data breaches: The aftermath of cyber attacks on hotels

Regardless of the industry, data breaches are always a threat, and the hospitality industry is no exception. When an attack occurs, hackers can access sensitive guest data such as payment information, personal information like passport details, and booking details. This information can then be sold on dark web market places, used for identity theft or ransomware attacks.

For hotels, data breaches result in a tarnished reputation, loss of customer trust, and financial losses. The impact of a data breach can spread beyond just one company affecting the entire supply chains that depend on it. Therefore, staying ahead of cyber threats and having solid remediation incident plans in place is essential.

The use of third-party software and its implications

Most hotels rely on third-party software from different vendors to manage their operations. However, this creates another entry point for attackers who may exploit weaknesses present in these systems. In some cases, third-party software can even be designed to expose vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

To mitigate these risks, hotels should maintain strict security criteria when selecting third-party software providers. Additionally, hotels should only deal with reputable vendors that have a proven track record of secure systems. Hotel managers should incorporate the necessary security protocols within their contracts with third-party vendors, such as auditing rights, liability clauses, and remediation procedures.

Human error: An underestimated risk in the hotel industry

People are often the weakest link when it comes to securing networks. Staff, guests, and even contractors can accidentally click links in phishing emails or connect infected devices to a network. Human errors can lead to serious security breaches in the hotel industry; hence staff training is an essential aspect of cybersecurity protocols for any hotel operation.

Hotels can develop policies such as periodic security awareness and training sessions for employees, informing guests of security protocols, and implementing clear guidance for contractors. Employees should also be trained on how to deal with social engineering attacks, identification of potential phishing emails, and recommended security protocols to prevent data breaches.

The impact of cyber attacks on the hotel industry and its customers

The effect of a cyberattack on the hotel industry can be large-scale and long-lasting. Apart from the direct financial losses incurred during an attack, hotels face reputational damage and loss of customer trust. Guests may lose confidence in booking reservations, which can have severe consequences on revenue for the industry. Additionally, guests can suffer financial losses due to identity theft, credit card fraud, or data loss.

Hotels can address these concerns by investing in robust cybersecurity measures that protect sensitive data and prevent cyberattacks from happening. When security incidents do occur, being transparent with customers is critical, recalling that it’s the customer that is most impacted by these attacks. Custodial assistance in these instances is essential for customer retention.

Conclusion

The hospitality industry has become a target for cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of sensitive data available in these businesses. Hoteliers must keep up with the continually evolving technological and security changes in the industry to protect customer data. With better security measures, policy implementation, and employee training, hoteliers can protect both their guests and their business interests from potential cyber threats.