hotel cybersecurity
Analyzing MGM and Caesars Cyberattacks: Lessons in Cybersecurity Preparedness
Mark Munger | September 26, 2023
By Mark Munger In the wake of recent cyberattacks targeting industry giants MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, it’s imperative to examine both the commonalities and disparities in these incidents. These high-profile breaches offer valuable insights into the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity threats within the gaming industry. Furthermore, they underscore the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and preparedness. General Considerations Before delving into the specifics of these cyberattacks, it’s essential to emphasize the significance of proactive cybersecurity measures. Post-breach recovery efforts are undoubted...
Rethinking Cybersecurity for the Rest of 2021
Larry and Adam Mogelonsky | September 1, 2021
By Larry and Adam Mogelonsky The pandemic is top of mind, but throughout its entirety there have been a number of daunting reports of major cybersecurity breaches and malware attacks infecting leading multinational corporations. So, while you must do your diligence to continue to protect guests from COVID-19, cybersecurity is perhaps the next most likely disaster to strike your hotel if you aren’t careful. Notably, the pandemic led numerous properties to expand their tech stacks in order to meet the shifting travel demands and safety regulations. In turn, this increased the number of potential points of vulnerability in the system. Al...
Cyber Attacks Are Spiking – Is Your Hotel Prepared?
Jeff Venza | June 29, 2021
By Jeff Venza Steven Chabinsky once said, “Thinking of cybersecurity solely as an IT issue is like believing that an entire company’s workforce, from the CEO down, is just one big HR issue.” As we head into the third quarter of 2021, this sentiment rings more true than ever before. Cyber threats are rampant within this digitally driven era. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, experts are calling for enhanced due diligence and, in some cases, organizational reform in the realm of cybersecurity. In fact, recent reports reveal at least 16 billion records, including credit card numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, and other hi...
A Make-or-Break Issue for Hotels: Guests Want Cybersecurity
Margaret Ady | December 3, 2019
By Margaret Ady These days, we tend talk about cybersecurity far less than we talk about melting icebergs or political problems or plastic straws. And, of course. Those are things we can do a little something about; we can make our own tiny dent in the environmental crisis or get out the vote, but cybersecurity is one of those problems that feel far out of most our hands. Yet, we all have important, essential, identifying information flying around the web, apps, stores, airlines, and—hotels. Consumers are relying on businesses to be transparent and secure, and hotels are one of the most targeted industries (just behind retailers) by cybe...
Hotel Cybersecurity: What Can Happen When Hackers Strike?
Jim Butler | February 2, 2017
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Author of www.HotelLawBlog.com 2 February 2017 Theft of confidential data by hackers is a major threat to businesses worldwide and the hotel industry is no exception. Hoteliers remain vulnerable to hackers seeking confidential information such as guests' credit card data and employees' personal information. They are also vulnerable in other ways. In a recent hotel breach, the hackers did not go after confidential data, but rather sought a ransom payment after taking control of the hotel's technology. My partner Bob Braun, senior member of JMBM's Global Hospitality Group...
Third-Party Management Companies Move to Embrace New Technology
Concord Hospitality | July 8, 2016
Technology is a non-negotiable in the lodging industry. The exciting news is that hotels are able to use technology to provide value-added services and conveniences that personalize the guest experience in more ways than ever. The challenge is that technology is advancing at a pace that makes it nearly impossible to keep up. This is one of the areas in which a third-party management company can be especially valuable. Hotel brands typically dictate basic requirements like core property management systems, but third-party management companies have the flexibility to innovate beyond these systems and exceed basic requirements. Here are a ...
Hotel Cybersecurity: Closing the Doors Before the Horses Leave the Barn
Bob Braun | May 11, 2016
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Author of www.HotelLawBlog.com 11 May 2016 One of the great breakout sessions at our recent Meet the Money® hotel conference in Los Angeles was organized by my partner Bob Braun and moderated by Jeff Higley of HotelNewsNow. I was particularly impressed by the panel's evidence of how costly cybersecurity breaches can be, how much can be done to prevent or limit exposure, and how reasonable the cost can be for a pro-active approach. Here is Bob Braun's summary of this panel last week in Los Angeles. This is a compelling call for an ounce of prevention. . . 5 Cybersecurity takeaways f...
