Hotels have been recognized as one of the biggest hot spots for credit card hackers according to a news reports in early February. In a report issued in February 2010 by an information security company called Trustwave Spider Labs, hotels ranked highest in those industries that fell victim to stolen credit card information. Of the data stolen, 98% was debit and credit card information. 38% of the data was stolen from credit cards used in the hotel industry. 19% was from financial service companies. Lowest on the list was manufacturing industries at 1.4%. Credit card theft is said to be the easiest and quickest way to get access to cash.
Theft of credit card information can be done in a variety of ways. Remote access computer applications are common ways that hacker’s access unauthorized information. These remote applications allow another person to gain control over computers from a distance. Remote users manipulate the computers that store the credit card information from the hotels gaining access to secure data from their outside location. This remote access was to blame for over 40% of the attacks on the credit card information.
The reports further discussed that it took the hotel establishments an average of 156 days before they became aware of a possible breach of confidential data. This lengthy time frame was cause for further concern regarding overall security of confidential data. Computer hackers typically strike when they see a vulnerable system or one that is easy to gain access to. It appears the hospitality industry has been deemed an easy target up to this point. There were no specific hotels listed in the report.
Poor Security Risks
It seems that the hotel industry is one that has a need for stronger security systems in general. Credit card information is both confidential and sensitive. Risk of this information getting into the wrong hands can have serious effects on individuals. These effects can include identify theft and loss of credit and even bankruptcy. Establishments that do not set up safety precautions and security testing to protect their customer’s confidential data can very easily fall victim to future hackers. The same is true for individuals using password protected systems on their own computers.
Protect Yourself
Any online system is at risk for a theft of information. Using a credit card at establishments and online always has an element of risk. The best way to protect your information is to secure your card number. Create strong passwords when using your own online systems and change this password often. Use your card only at locations that are credible and look for the credit card security verification signs before you use your card. There is no guarantee that your information is 100% secure but taking steps to protect your information is the best prevention. Industries that accept credit cards also have a responsibly to ensure that their systems are secure.
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