Every hotel guest thinks that since they are staying in the hotel room they have some degree of safety and security. Unfortunately, this is not always the case because if you’re using the hotel’s WiFi your personal information is at risk of getting hacked, it’s simple to break into a zippered suitcase even though it has a lock on it, and it’s easy for someone to break into the safe in your hotel room. Hoteliers now take cybersecurity for hotels seriously being an industry that is seemingly under attack from all angles. How can the hotel management and guests work together to prevent hackers from getting into their hotel rooms?
Encrypting guests details when checking in, storing, and transferring
When a guest checks in a hotel, they give out their details which can be hacked, and one accesses their room without their knowledge. Therefore, always encrypt any important file when either sharing or storing it on the hotel’s database. When encrypting the hotel personnel can make the plaintext data incomprehensible because it is scrambled. This protects it from unintended parties without an authentication key. Therefore, if someone gets access to those files they can’t open and read them.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
When a guest checks into a hotel room, a room key card is issued. This allows them to access the room during their stay. However, to prevent hackers from getting into the rooms, the key card is not only the option. 2FA adds another security layer which can either be a magic link registered to the guest’s email address or mobile number, secret code, or one-time password (OTP). This allows the guest to have full control over who will access their room until they check out.
Never share login credentials
The log-in credentials including the room number are prone to be hacked. Sharing this personal information via unauthorized channels creates room for hackers to get inside your hotel room. With the login credentials, other account-related information, and one-time passwords (OTP) hackers can access your room.
Using passwordless authentication methods to authenticate in-house guests remotely
This allows only in-house guests can have access to their rooms through a website or network. The hotel management can install email signing certificates on the guest’s devices upon checking in. These certificates also allow client authentication that is why they are known as personal authentication certificates (PACs). With this, even if hackers steal the remote room key card, they can’t have access to the certificate.
Maintain copies of data backups
Have the client’s data backed up in case a hacker gets access to the hotel’s database. When doing this store backups in multiple locations, enable automated backups of guests’ check-in details, and scan their credentials before taking backups. By doing this the hotel’s management allows a data security strategy that enables them to retrieve the information in case of cyber attack.
Conclusion
Even though hackers continue to target the hospitality industry, hotel owners are working round the clock to prevent data breaches as it would have a negative mark on their brand. Guests have to feel safe and secure in their rooms, therefore, prioritizing their safety as well as their luggage allows top-notch hospitality experience.
Learn more about hotel key cards.