5 Ways Protecting Your Hotel Guests’ Data Improves Revenue

Don’t put these security measures at the bottom of your to-do list. Guests put an enormous amount of trust into hotels, providing much of their personal information as well as their credit card information. Any breach of this trust can lead to severe consequences for guests, including identity theft. Hotels have the potential to be huge targets for cybercriminals since they know these businesses have such a plethora of important data. According to research from MAGNA, a marketplace research group, 74 percent of consumers rank data security as one of their top priorities. So aside from legal liabilities, security breaches can also harm a hotel’s reputation and ultimately business as a whole. Data breaches ultimately affect guest comfort and loyalty – Hyatt Hotels learned this lesson the hard way. Between 2015 and 2017, Hyatt Hotels experienced two data breaches. After the incident in 2017, Hyatt promised to implement better safety measures, however, some people in the industry question why those measures were never put in after the first incident in 2015. Hotels depend on customer loyalty and positive recommendations. A breach of guest data can result in a significant loss of trust, leading to a decline in repeat bookings and negative reviews. The data breach and lack of action on Hyatt’s part seem to have stunted its growth through 2019. It’s never a bad idea to reach out to cybersecurity experts that can give you top-notch and personalized advice so you can avoid the very problems Hyatt has faced. In the meantime, here are some ideas to get you started with data protection… Encryption Encrypting guest data is a fundamental security measure. Hotels should encrypt sensitive information, such as credit card details and personal identifiers, both during transit and when stored in databases. Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed unlawfully, it remains unreadable and unusable. Limited access Hotels should restrict access to guest data by employing strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and role-based access controls. Only authorized personnel should be granted access to sensitive information, and ideally, access rights should be regularly reviewed and updated as needed. Secure Wi-Fi networks Hotels often provide Wi-Fi access to guests, which, although it is basically an essential amenity, can pose security risks. It is crucial to secure Wi-Fi networks with strong encryption and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Regular monitoring and updating of network systems are a must to address any vulnerabilities in a timely manner. Employee training Hotel staff should be regularly trained on data security practices, including the handling of guest data and how to recognize potential security threats. Training programs should cover topics like good password practices, phishing, other common scam attempts, and the importance of data protection. Regular refresher courses can help reinforce best practices and ensure a security-conscious mindset amongst employees. Comply with regulations Hotels should always stay informed and comply with relevant data protection regulations, like the General Data Protection Regulation or the California Consumer Privacy Act. Compliance means understanding the legal requirements, implementing necessary measures, and regularly reviewing data security practices. Regulations are never put in place without reason. If there’s a rule, it’s most likely there because the lack of it led to consequences for someone else. So be sure to comply, not only for irritating legal reasons, because it will help you in the long run whether you see it or not.

5 Ways Protecting Your Hotel Guests’ Data Improves Revenue

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