I spy cyber security

I spy cyber security

Business Technology-01

As technology has evolved, so too has cybercrime. Tony Toutoungi delves into the world of cyber security, examining the various threats and how hotels can prevent data theft.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but over the past few years, the industry’s most best-known brands have all fallen prey to cybercrime. This includes the Marriott’s 5.2 million guests, whose personal and financial information was leaked to a data thief posing as the company’s CEO.

What is cyber security?
The term cyber security is used to refer to the methods and practices that aim to defend devices, networks, servers, electronic systems and all kinds of data from ill-intended attacks.
In today’s business environment, information is the most valuable asset. That is why many hackers and attackers aim to steal your information, and they might even shut you out of your devices and systems while doing so.
Cyber security practices often involve the use of a tool or software, such as antivirus programs, firewalls, anti-malware software and such.

What kinds of threats target the hospitality industry?
In the past few years, we have witnessed many hotels being the victims of cyber criminals. Such incidents lead to serious data leakages and hurt the reputation of the organization. After all, we would never revisit a facility that failed to keep sensitive information safe from hackers.
Customer data/identity theft: When booking a hotel room, we share some of our most sensitive data: name, address and payment information. That is why most hackers try to steal customer information from hotels using malware, computer viruses and social engineering methods.
Phishing: The term phishing refers to the techniques used to deceive and convince professionals to leak information. The most popular phishing techniques include fake web pages, phone calls, text messages and e-mails that appear to be from a genuine source.
In recent years, this threat has become increasingly sophisticated, with attacks targeting those in authority. The aim is to take over a user’s email account to send bogus emails to colleagues. These emails often attempt to persuade recipients to authorize transactions.
Darkhotel hacking: In recent years, this threat has become increasingly sophisticated, with attacks targeting those in authority. The aim is to take over a user’s email account to send bogus emails to colleagues. These emails often attempt to persuade recipients to authorize transactions.
The most famous recent ransomware attack, WannaCry, simultaneously targeted countries and businesses all over the world. It posed a real threat by taking information and certain systems hostage.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS):
This is the hack of choice for those looking to target a wide array of systems hotels use. Sprinkler systems and security cameras are vulnerable to hijack. After security is undermined, entire computer systems can be made to come crashing down. Cybersecurity for hotels should always include a process to mitigate any compromised systems should they be affected in a DDoS attack.
Point-of-sale/payment card attacks
Point-of-sale attacks pose the biggest threat to the hotel industry as a whole. Rather than attacking the hotel itself, they are a third-party crime, meaning they attack the vendor.
Cybersecurity issues of this nature often result in customers being out of pocket and the media getting involved. Furthermore, there could be financial implications for the business. One example of this was MasterCard billing an unnamed establishment for USD 1.4 million, while Visa billed around USD 500,000.
Cybersecurity training for employees
Cybersecurity issues of this nature often result in customers being out of pocket and the media getting involved. Furthermore, there could be financial implications for the business. One example of this was MasterCard billing an unnamed establishment for USD 1.4 million, while Visa billed around USD 500,000.

TONY TOUTOUNGY
Tony Toutoungi
Consultant
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About author

Rita Ghantous

Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.

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