Cybersecurity in hotels has become an essential pillar of operational and reputational management in the tourism sector. As guest experiences become digital, from booking to checkout, the risks of cyberattacks, data loss, and fraud also increase.
It’s not just about protecting a Wi-Fi network; we’re talking about protecting sensitive information, such as thousands of customers’ personal and financial data.
The hotel sector needs to adapt to new digital threats, incorporating proactive strategies, cybersecurity tools, and ongoing processes for reviewing their risk exposure.
This is where technological innovation comes into play, with solutions specifically designed to secure these businesses’ digital infrastructure.
One of these solutions is Kartos.. This is not just a simple analytics platform but a Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) platform.. This means it helps businesses continuously identify, measure, and mitigate digital vulnerabilities, constantly assessing their exposure to real threats.
In the hotel industry, Kartos can detect everything from network breaches to leaked customer data on forums without requiring any implementation within hotel chains’ complex internal structures.
Want to reduce your exposure to cyber threats before it’s too late? Learn more about how Enthec and its Kartos platform can help to protect your hotel starting today.
Why is cybersecurity in hotels more critical than ever?
The digitalization of the tourism sector has brought great benefits, but has opened new doors for cybercriminals. A report by IBM Security revealed that the hospitality sector is one of the ten most attacked globally, mainly due to the volume of personal and financial information it handles.
Hotels often operate with legacy systems, insecure configurations, or outdated password policies. Added to this are connected devices, such as smart locks or IoT HVAC systems, which, if not adequately protected, become entry points for attackers.
And what are hackers looking for in a hotel?
- Customer bank details.
- Booking information and behavior patterns.
- Access to internal systems for identity theft or blackmail.
- Vulnerable infrastructure that can be used as a “bridge” for other attacks.
Trend in hotel cybersecurity: moving from reaction to prevention
One of the main trends in hotel cybersecurity is a change in focus. Previously, people waited for something to go wrong before acting. Today, the goal is to detect threats before they have consequences.
Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), powered by platforms like Kartos, is based precisely on that principle. It’s no longer enough to perform audits once a year. What works is constant, agile, and frictionless control, which allows for the detection, classification, and addressing of each vulnerability in a prioritized manner.
In this sense, CTEM solutions such as Kartos allow:
- Monitor the hotel’s digital display 24 hours a day.
- Detect leaked credentials in real time.
- Analyze subdomains, DNS settings, and information leaks.
- Receive personalized alerts based on the level of criticality.
Specific challenges of cybersecurity in hotels
Cybersecurity in hotels presents unique challenges that go beyond the typical technological challenges of any business. Every establishment must face risks that evolve at the same pace as guest connectivity and operational demands.
Multiplicity of devices and entry points
The attack surface is vast, including computers, servers, POS terminals, IoT devices, and employee and customer smartphones. If not correctly monitored, any misconfigured device can be a gateway.
Rotating staff and insufficient training
The high level of staff turnover in many establishments makes it challenging to implement strong cybersecurity protocols. . Without proper training, employees can easily fall for phishing attacks or handle sensitive information without the necessary precautions.
Open Wi-Fi networks
Although offering free Wi-Fi to guests is a standard service, many hotels do not segment their networks properly, which can compromise the security of clients and internal systems.
Highlighted strategies to strengthen hotel cybersecurity
To address the above challenges successfully, a clear and realistic roadmap must be designed. The key is to combine technology, processes, and corporate culture, always with an eye toward the guest experience and the business’s reputation.
1. Implement a CTEM system like Kartos
Incorporating a Continuous Threat Exposure Management solution allows for an updated map of the hotel’s security status,allowing quick action and staying ahead of cybercriminals. Kartos, in particular, is designed to operate without interfering with the hotel’s internal systems, making it easier to adopt and maintain.
2. Continuous staff training
It is not enough to install software: the first line of defense is people.. Training your team on best practices, recognizing fraudulent emails, and responding to incidents is essential. Some companies even organize cyberattack simulations to reinforce this knowledge.
3. Segment networks and apply access policies
Separating the hotel’s customer network from its operational network is a basic, yet often overlooked, step. Furthermore, employees should only have access to the information and systems they need.
4. Backup and recovery policies
Having encrypted backups and a well-defined recovery plan can be the difference between a scare and a catastrophe. Especially in ransomware attacks, having up-to-date backups allows you to get back to business quickly without giving in to blackmail.
5. Active monitoring of exposed assets
One of Kartos’s most innovative aspects is its ability to detect digital assets exposed on the public network.. From vulnerable IP addresses to misconfigured cloud documents, each finding is presented with an associated criticality and remediation advice.
What if your hotel has already been the victim of an attack?
It’s not always easy to detect. Sometimes, stolen data is sold or used months later. That’s why one of Kartos’ standout features is the ability to conduct cyber surveillance in open sources and forums, where leaked data often appears. You can act quickly to contain and respond to the incident by identifying any mentions related to your domain.
In an environment where reputation is everything, a security breach can mean much more than a fine or a financial loss. It can translate into customers who don’t return, negative comments, and loss of trust in the brand.
From Enthec, with our Kartos platform, we offer hotels a practical, immediate, and proactive way to manage their digital security through technology designed to be used by large chains and independent hotels that want to protect their business without complications.
Do you want to know if your hotel is exposed to cyber threats? Make a diagnosis with Kartos and start preventing from today.
Taking care of your guests also starts with protecting their data.