GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Hotel Industry Statistics

The hotel industry experiences an average of 115 cybersecurity incidents per week, with the most common types being malware attacks, phishing scams, and ransomware.

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Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Hotel Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, more than 3.7 million hotel guests' data were compromised due to a massive cyberattack.
  • 90 percent of data breaches in the hotel industry result from the exploitation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
  • The hospitality sector copes with an average of 7,000 cyber threats per day, significantly higher than other industries.
  • Cyber-attacks on hotel chains skyrocketed by 13 percent to 116 percent between 2015 and 2019.
  • 96% of IT decision-makers in the hotel industry express concerns about the threat of cyberattacks.
  • The average time to identify and contain a breach is 279 days in the hotel industry.
  • In 2019, 64% of US hoteliers had suffered a cyber attack.
  • 65% of fraud in the hotel industry is the result of card-not-present transactions, a clear sign of cyber breaches.
  • In the figure of the total cyber breaches per year, small-to-midrange businesses, including hotels, make up more than 50%.
  • In 2021, the interference malware activity is at a massive 642% in the hospitality industry.
  • The average cost for a hotel to recover from the reputation damage caused by a data breach is $1.3 million.
  • Only 11% of hotel businesses consider their cybersecurity measures completely effective.
  • In 2017, the industry saw a year-on-year increase of 350% in ransomware attacks, affecting numerous hotels.
  • In 2021, 91% of all cyber attacks in the hospitality industry start with a phishing email.

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Table of Contents

The Latest Cybersecurity In The Hotel Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, more than 3.7 million hotel guests’ data were compromised due to a massive cyberattack.

The statistic that more than 3.7 million hotel guests’ data were compromised in 2020 due to a massive cyberattack highlights a significant breach of personal information and potential privacy violations. This cyberattack not only exposed sensitive data belonging to a vast number of individuals but also emphasized the vulnerability of the hospitality industry to cyber threats. The incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for businesses that collect and store customer data, as well as the critical need for continual monitoring and protection against cyberattacks. The magnitude of this breach serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of insufficient data security and the pressing need for organizations to prioritize the safeguarding of customer information.

90 percent of data breaches in the hotel industry result from the exploitation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The statistic that 90 percent of data breaches in the hotel industry result from the exploitation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities indicates that the majority of security incidents in this sector are caused by weaknesses in digital defenses rather than other factors, such as physical breaches or internal threats. This underscores the importance of addressing and mitigating these vulnerabilities within the hotel industry to prevent data breaches and safeguard sensitive information. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, hotels can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks and protect their customers’ data from unauthorized access or misuse.

The hospitality sector copes with an average of 7,000 cyber threats per day, significantly higher than other industries.

The statistic indicates that the hospitality sector faces a substantial challenge in terms of cybersecurity, dealing with an average of 7,000 cyber threats daily. This number is notably higher compared to other industries, highlighting the vulnerability and attractiveness of the sector to malicious actors. The hospitality industry collects and stores large volumes of sensitive customer data, including payment information and personal details, making it an appealing target for cybercriminals seeking to steal valuable information for financial gain or other malicious purposes. This statistic underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and continuous vigilance within the hospitality sector to protect both customer data and the reputation of businesses within the industry.

Cyber-attacks on hotel chains skyrocketed by 13 percent to 116 percent between 2015 and 2019.

The statistic indicates that the occurrences of cyber-attacks targeting hotel chains saw a significant increase ranging from 13 percent to 116 percent over the period from 2015 to 2019. This implies a substantial rise in the number of security breaches and incidents within the hospitality industry during those years. The reported range of increase from 13 percent to 116 percent suggests that some hotel chains experienced more severe spikes in cyber-attacks compared to others. Overall, the data highlights a growing threat to hotel chains from cyber criminals and underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer data and privacy in the face of escalating cyber risks.

96% of IT decision-makers in the hotel industry express concerns about the threat of cyberattacks.

The statistic that 96% of IT decision-makers in the hotel industry express concerns about the threat of cyberattacks indicates a high level of awareness and anxiety within this sector regarding the potential risks posed by cyber threats. This finding suggests that these decision-makers are acutely aware of the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting their systems and data from malicious actors and are actively seeking strategies to mitigate these risks. The high percentage of IT decision-makers expressing concerns highlights the significant impact that cyberattacks could have on the hotel industry’s operations, reputation, and overall security posture, underscoring the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures and proactive risk management practices in this sector.

The average time to identify and contain a breach is 279 days in the hotel industry.

The statistic that the average time to identify and contain a breach in the hotel industry is 279 days indicates the length of time it takes for organizations within this sector to detect and effectively respond to security incidents. This metric reflects the level of preparedness, resilience, and cybersecurity practices within the hotel industry. A longer duration to detect and contain a breach suggests potential vulnerabilities in the industry’s data security infrastructure, highlighting the need for improved risk mitigation strategies, incident response plans, and investments in cybersecurity measures to enhance threat detection capabilities and reduce the impact of data breaches on both customers and the business.

In 2019, 64% of US hoteliers had suffered a cyber attack.

The statistic ‘In 2019, 64% of US hoteliers had suffered a cyber attack’ indicates that a majority of hoteliers in the United States experienced a cyber attack within that year. This statistic suggests that the hospitality industry is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, potentially due to the large amount of personal and financial data they collect and store from their guests. Such cyber attacks can have significant consequences, including data breaches, financial losses, and damage to the hotel’s reputation. These findings highlight the importance of cybersecurity measures for hoteliers to protect their systems, assets, and customer information from malicious actors in the digital space.

65% of fraud in the hotel industry is the result of card-not-present transactions, a clear sign of cyber breaches.

The statistic that 65% of fraud in the hotel industry is attributed to card-not-present transactions highlights a significant vulnerability to cyber breaches. Card-not-present transactions, in which payment information is provided without the physical presence of the card, are particularly susceptible to fraudulent activities such as identity theft and unauthorized use of credit card information. This statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within the hotel industry to mitigate the risks associated with online transactions and protect both customers and businesses from financial losses and reputational harm. Implementing robust security protocols and staying informed about the latest cyber threats are essential steps for hotels to safeguard sensitive payment data and maintain trust with their customers.

In the figure of the total cyber breaches per year, small-to-midrange businesses, including hotels, make up more than 50%.

The statistic indicates that small-to-midrange businesses, such as hotels, account for more than half of the total cyber breaches that occur each year. This suggests that these types of businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks, possibly due to their limited resources and cybersecurity measures compared to larger corporations. The high percentage of cyber breaches in this sector may have significant implications for the overall cybersecurity landscape, highlighting the importance of improving security practices and awareness among small-to-midrange businesses to mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.

In 2021, the interference malware activity is at a massive 642% in the hospitality industry.

The statistic that interference malware activity has increased by a substantial 642% in the hospitality industry in 2021 indicates a significant and concerning rise in cyber threats targeting this sector. Interference malware refers to malicious software that disrupts or interferes with normal computer or network operations, posing a serious risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and services. A 642% increase suggests a dramatic surge in cyber attacks, highlighting the vulnerability of the hospitality industry to such threats. This statistic underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and proactive strategies to protect against evolving cyber threats in the hospitality sector.

The average cost for a hotel to recover from the reputation damage caused by a data breach is $1.3 million.

This statistic indicates that the average cost incurred by a hotel in recovering from the reputational damage resulting from a data breach is approximately $1.3 million. This cost likely encompasses various expenses such as implementing cybersecurity measures, conducting forensic investigations, notifying affected customers, providing credit monitoring services, legal fees, and potential loss of business due to damaged reputation. The figure underscores the significant financial impact that data breaches can have on businesses, especially in the hospitality industry where customer trust and loyalty are paramount. Hotels must prioritize investing in robust cybersecurity practices to mitigate the risk of data breaches and minimize the substantial costs associated with reputation recovery.

Only 11% of hotel businesses consider their cybersecurity measures completely effective.

The statistic suggests that a significant majority of hotel businesses, 89%, do not consider their cybersecurity measures to be completely effective. This indicates a potential vulnerability in the industry, as the majority of hotel businesses may be exposed to cybersecurity risks and threats. The low percentage of businesses that feel fully confident in their cybersecurity measures highlights the need for increased investment and attention towards improving cybersecurity infrastructure within the hotel sector to mitigate potential breaches and protect sensitive guest information.

In 2017, the industry saw a year-on-year increase of 350% in ransomware attacks, affecting numerous hotels.

In 2017, the industry experienced a substantial surge in ransomware attacks, with a staggering 350% year-on-year increase. This significant rise in malicious cyber activities targeted numerous hotels, posing serious threats to their operations and security. Ransomware attacks involve malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid, putting sensitive information and financial resources at risk. The sharp increase in these attacks highlights the growing vulnerability of the hospitality sector to cybersecurity threats and underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures to protect businesses and customers from potential harm in the digital realm.

In 2021, 91% of all cyber attacks in the hospitality industry start with a phishing email.

The statistic that 91% of all cyber attacks in the hospitality industry begin with a phishing email in 2021 indicates a significant vulnerability within the sector. Phishing attacks involve deceptive emails sent to individuals in an attempt to trick them into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. This high prevalence of phishing attacks suggests that hospitality businesses need to prioritize cybersecurity measures that specifically address email security, employee training to identify and avoid phishing attempts, and robust systems for detecting and mitigating phishing threats. Failing to address this issue can expose the industry to substantial risks, including data breaches, financial losses, and damage to customer trust.

References

0. – https://www.digitalguardian.com

1. – https://www.securityboulevard.com

2. – https://www.www.travelweekly.com

3. – https://www.www.reputationdefender.com

4. – https://www.www.eweek.com

5. – https://www.www.zscaler.com

6. – https://www.www.zdnet.com

7. – https://www.www.forbes.com

8. – https://www.www.teiss.co.uk

9. – https://www.securityintelligence.com

10. – https://www.www.comparitech.com

11. – https://www.hoteltechnologynews.com

12. – https://www.www.internationalairportreview.com

13. – https://www.us.norton.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

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