With hospitality’s rapid digitalisation, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Hospitality businesses handle sensitive data daily, from guest information to payment details, making them prime targets for cyber-attacks. The UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that 39% of businesses faced cyber-attacks last year, with hospitality particularly vulnerable due to complex digital systems and high customer turnover. Here’s a guide to protect your business with essential cybersecurity practices.
1. Train Staff to Recognise Cyber Threats
One of the leading causes of data breaches is employee error. Staff who are unprepared for cyber threats may inadvertently click on phishing emails or use weak passwords, exposing the business to potential attacks.
Tip: Schedule regular cybersecurity training, focusing on threat recognition, such as phishing attempts and safe password practices. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offers free resources and training guides through their Cyber Essentials programme, which is specifically designed to help businesses protect against cyber threats.
2. Encrypt Sensitive Guest Data
Data encryption is crucial for safeguarding guest and business information, especially for point-of-sale (POS) and booking systems. By encrypting data, you make it unreadable to anyone without the correct decryption key, adding a layer of security.
Tip: Use encrypted POS and booking platforms that comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). This standard provides guidelines to help ensure that customer transactions and sensitive data remain secure throughout the transaction process.
3. Regularly Update All Software
Outdated software can leave systems vulnerable to security breaches. Hackers often exploit weaknesses in older versions of operating systems, apps, or plugins.
Tip: Set up regular, automatic updates across all software used in your business, including POS and property management systems. For guidance on best practices, check the NCSC’s Small Business Guide to Cyber Security for comprehensive recommendations on securing software and systems in hospitality.
4. Strengthen Access Control Policies
Implementing strict access control ensures that only authorised individuals can access sensitive data, reducing the risk of accidental or intentional data exposure. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a further security layer by requiring users to verify their identity through a second step.
Tip: Use MFA for all access points handling sensitive information, such as booking and payment platforms. Role-based access can also help, ensuring only specific team members can access certain data, reducing exposure to potential breaches. Software like Okta or Duo Security can be used to implement secure access controls, which are highly beneficial for hospitality settings.
5. Schedule Regular Backups and Test Recovery Plans
In the event of a cyber-attack or data loss, regular data backups enable swift restoration, minimising downtime and financial impact. A comprehensive recovery plan allows businesses to respond quickly to any incidents.
Tip: Establish a schedule for secure, offline backups and run regular recovery tests to identify gaps in your disaster recovery plan. For further information, refer to the NCSC’s advice on backups and recovery.
Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Strategy
With digitalisation essential to modern hospitality, cybersecurity isn’t optional. By focusing on training, data encryption, software updates, access control, and a reliable backup plan, hospitality leaders can build a robust defence against cyber threats. Taking proactive measures not only protects guest information but also builds trust and strengthens your brand’s reputation in a data-sensitive world.
Implement these cybersecurity strategies will help to keep your business safe, resilient, and prepared against evolving cyber threats in the hospitality landscape.
