The threat of cyber security breaches have encroached on practically every industry in the United States. And for an industry like resort hotels, where an abundance of sensitive client information is available to be uncovered, this is a goldmine for cyber hackers. In fact, data breaches against hotels are on the rise as major hotel brands suffered massive hits in recent years.
When hotels rely on third-party vendors to help run their properties, giving them access to sensitive guest data, they are left vulnerable to attacks. Cyber security for hotels is something your clients cannot ignore any longer as threats of data breaches and phishing scams continue to grow. While your client can protect their own assets with insurance programs for resort hotels, they can also protect their guests’ information with a few cyber security tips.
Cyber Security Training
Cyber breaches become more visible when human error and phishing scams come into play. The chances that an employee would give a hacker committing social engineering fraud sensitive information would diminish with proper cyber security training. Your hotel clients can write up a document that outlines policies relating to responsible usage.
Hotels can also restrict employees from downloading or installing software on company computers or when using company networks. Also, employees can be trained to recognize and report suspicious emails or links.
There are a number of measures that can be taken, but it starts with a culture of awareness that a hotel’s executives need to cultivate.
Risk Assessment
Resort hotels have a number of systems tied to a network, which include third-party booking sites like expedia.com, airline companies, electronic key card programmers, and more. What’s more, resorts include WiFi for their guests, which only widens the door for cyber attackers.
Hotels can assess risk and come up with a cybersecurity plan that doesn’t alter the operations of their location. They can do this by having executives conduct a risk assessment to understand where specific data is held and who has access to it.
Insider Threats
Employees who have access to hotel data have the ability to do whatever they want with it, in theory. These breaches are had to catch as those on the inside have not only access to information, but understanding of how things work. Hotels can prevent this from happening by upping accountability. Hotels can define roles of data access and apply levels to this data. Encourage them to assign unique login credentials to every employee as well as mandate regular password updates.
The key for hotels is to make sure there is enough transparency on what is expected of their employees and vendors to protect sensitive information of their guests and invoke a culture of security within and without.
About Kevin Davis Insurance Services
For over 35 years, Kevin Davis Insurance Services has built an impressive reputation as a strong wholesale broker offering insurance products for the community association industry. Our president Kevin Davis and his team take pride in offering committed services to the community association market and providing them with unparalleled access to high-quality coverage, competitive premiums, superior markets, and detailed customer service. To learn more about the coverage we offer, contact us toll-free at (877) 807-8708 to speak with one of our representatives.