Protect your hotel and guests with a strong cybersecurity strategy

The hospitality industry is rapidly digitising. Hotels and accommodation providers are increasingly using cloud-based Property Management Systems (PMS) and other SaaS solutions to optimise their processes. However, these systems contain large amounts of personal data, making them attractive to cybercriminals.

In addition to the transition to cloud technology, dependence on IT for both business operations and the guest experience is increasing. Digital check-ins, smart room controls and streaming services increase comfort, but also bring new security risks. How can you ensure that these innovations do not come at the expense of security and reputation?

Cybersecurity challenges in the hospitality sector

Many organisations in the hospitality sector do not have a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or a specialised security officer. As a result, there is no structured security policy and security is often limited to technical measures. But cybersecurity goes beyond technology: human behaviour and processes play a crucial role.

Hotels process large amounts of sensitive information every day, such as credit card details, passport numbers and guests' personal preferences. Without the right security measures in place, this data can easily fall into the wrong hands. Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated techniques, such as phishing, ransomware and social engineering, to gain access to systems and steal sensitive data.

In addition, more and more hotels are relying on smart devices and IoT systems for room automation, streaming entertainment and the automation/digitisation of business processes, for example. Without adequate security, hackers can manipulate these systems, resulting in both financial and operational damage. This makes cybersecurity not just an IT issue, but a strategic necessity for the entire organisation.

How do you tackle cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a complex issue that cannot be addressed with a single solution. It requires a combination of strategic policy, technological measures and awareness within the organisation. By working in a structured and proactive manner, hotels can significantly improve their security and minimise the risk of cyber attacks. A strong cybersecurity strategy consists of three essential steps:

1. Determine where you stand

Before you can improve your cybersecurity measures, it is important to know where your organisation currently stands. A thorough security assessment helps to map out your current security measures and determine the maturity of your security. This starts with testing your existing security against recognised frameworks and identifying weaknesses, such as outdated software or insufficient access controls. It is also important to analyse both digital and physical security risks. Based on these insights, a strategy can be developed with achievable short- and long-term solutions. In short:

• Test existing security against recognised frameworks.
• Identify vulnerabilities and risks.
• Draw up recommendations with achievable short- and long-term solutions.

2. Implement “low-hanging fruit”

Not all cybersecurity measures require large investments or complex implementations. Some solutions are easy to implement and offer immediate additional protection. By applying these quick improvements, an organisation can immediately take steps in the right direction without major operational disruptions:

• Security awareness training: Ensure that employees recognise cybersecurity risks and know how to respond.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): A simple way to better secure cloud applications.
• Backups: Regular and secure backups minimise the impact of data loss.

3. Creëer een securitybeleidsplan

A strong security policy is essential for effectively managing cyber threats. This policy should not only focus on technology, but also on processes and people. By developing a clear strategy and evaluating it regularly, an organisation can better respond to new threats and risks. An effective security policy focuses on three pillars: Prevent, Detect, Respond. This policy must be aligned with the organisation's business processes and risks:

• People: Training and awareness among employees.
• Process: Clear protocols for incident response and risk analysis.
• Technology: Up-to-date software, network security and monitoring tools.

Want to get started with your cybersecurity strategy? Whether you are in the early stages, already implementing or have an existing security strategy, Nomios supports you every step of the way. We provide advice, help implement appropriate technologies and offer ongoing support. Don't want to do the management yourself? Then choose one of our managed security services.

CISO-as-a-Service: a flexible solution

Not every organisation has the resources for a full-time CISO. CISO-as-a-Service offers a cost-effective solution, whereby an external expert helps develop and maintain an effective cybersecurity policy. This gives hotels access to specialist knowledge without the obligations of a permanent appointment.

This specialist performs risk analyses, draws up strategies and supervises implementations to increase digital resilience. In addition, the external CISO provides continuous monitoring, incident response and compliance support, so that hotels are always prepared for threats.

Cybersecurity as a foundation for the future

Cybersecurity is not an afterthought, but a crucial part of a modern hospitality organisation. With a strategic and integrated approach, hotels and other accommodations can protect themselves against cyber threats and reap the benefits of digitalisation. With the right security awareness, policies and flexible solutions such as CISO-as-a-Service, the sector will continue to grow safely and future-proof.