By Daniel Just, Director at Cerium Technologies
We live in a digital era where cybersecurity has become a cornerstone, and the hotel sector is no stranger to this reality. As technology redefines a hotel's backoffice processes and guest experience, it also introduces unprecedented security challenges.
Digitalization has expanded the spectrum of threats for the hotel sector. Every digital touchpoint, from reservation systems, integrations with all types of suppliers, or the devices themselves in rooms, are a potential door for cybercriminals. We must also assume and understand that the data custody model has changed, the protection of guest data and even the integrity of that data on their devices is essential. We not only safeguard data, but we must guarantee its security during your accommodation and the possible consequences once the guest's stay in our hotel has ended.
New threats
Cybercrime, which evolves at an incessant pace, encompasses already known threats such as ransomware, which blocks systems until a ransom is received, it also includes phishing, where identities are spoofed to steal information, and specific attacks such as Darkhotel, aimed at travelers in hotels. DDoS attacks overwhelm systems causing outages, and intrusions into Wi-Fi networks can compromise customer data and devices if they are not properly protected and encrypted. And in recent times we have been suffering attacks linked to suppliers, security breaches due to the introduction of new devices (IoT), etc. A constantly evolving environment that forces us to stay up to date on this matter.
A holistic approach
It is essential to rely on companies that are experts in cybersecurity; carrying out periodic audits, implementing clear policies in relation to security (use of devices, access to sensitive information...), configuring networks that these experts will do for us, and even working with cyber intelligence tools, which will help us collect and analyze threat and vulnerability information. These are fundamental in the strategy of any hotel that wants to minimize its risks.
But we should not stop here, protection goes beyond technology. Staff training and awareness are vital. The responsibility for protecting a hotel's critical assets should not fall solely on the technology team. Everyone, from the front desk to the IT team, must be equipped with the knowledge to detect and prevent threats to the best of their ability. It is essential that management leads the allocation of resources and the implementation of clear security policies.
Training and organizational commitment
Employees are the first point of contact and therefore the first line of defense. Cybersecurity training must be comprehensive and cover different aspects. Workers should understand basic cybersecurity concepts, such as phishing, malware, and strong passwords. They should also learn to recognize the signs of a potential cyberattack, such as suspicious emails or unusual behavior on IT systems. Training must be comprehensive, ranging from basic concepts to the identification of emerging threats. The protection of sensitive data and respect for privacy are imperative. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility at all levels of the organization. From operational staff to executive management, everyone plays a crucial role in ensuring a secure digital environment. However, it is undeniable that the responsibility falls on senior management to be aware of the state of our digital infrastructures, understand the associated economic, reputational and legal risks, and provide the company with the necessary resources.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is not just a matter of technological tools: it is a mindset. Having the entire organization aligned with security policies is a guarantee of minimizing risks. In a scenario where technology is integrated transversally into all processes, almost at the same rate as threats grow, anticipation and preparation are essential to protect our most valuable assets without forgetting those of our guests. It is management's duty to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to implement effective security measures and that procedures are established to mitigate economic, legal and reputational risks.
At Cerium Technologies we are dedicated to offering advanced solutions adapted to the needs of the hotel sector, combining cutting-edge technology in cybersecurity, cyber intelligence and specialized training. Together, we can build a safer future for the hospitality industry.
