Hackers could cause a battle in the hotel industry

Imagine the annual 'Hacker Summer Camp': in the middle of summer, Las Vegas is overrun by thousands of the world's top cybersecurity experts. This event is not just another gathering; it is a battle against digital vulnerabilities. During these conferences, selected hackers are challenged to test hotel security in detail. Their goal? To expose hidden weaknesses that, if left undetected, could seriously compromise the security of hotel rooms. 

"The above example, which was all over the media last summer, should act as a powerful warning to the industry," reports hospitality ICT service provider Sbit.

A team of seasoned hackers revealed in Las Vegas how they were able to gain surprisingly easy access to millions of hotel rooms worldwide. Their method exploited vulnerabilities in RFID key card locks. These locks are used in more than 13,000 hotels across 131 countries. It all started by obtaining a single hotel keycard. This card was then scanned with specialised equipment that could read and copy the digital information. With this information, they created two new, customised keycards that could communicate directly with the locks. With a few actions, the lock was reprogrammed and unlocked, making it an open gate for unauthorised access. 

Despite the fact that the information was widely available, only a small percentage of locks underwent a necessary update. This highlights the urgent need for a faster and more effective update strategy, especially for those locks that are not connected to the internet or outdated models that require physical modifications. 

According to Sbit, the Las Vegas example underlines a broader truth: in the hotel industry, security is not just about hospitality, but also about protection and luxury. And the security systems on which so many hotels rely are sometimes more fragile than we realise. This incident shows how essential it is to constantly strive for improvement and innovation in hotel security.

According to Sjors Brul of ICT service provider Sbit, the example outlined with the keycards confirms the vulnerabilities in systems that hotels still often take for granted. They show the need for a broad security approach, covering both digital and physical aspects.

The Hotel Security Summit organised by Sbit serves as a catalyst for change.

The Hotel Security Summit was conceived by Brul as a response to multiple security challenges.

The event brings together experts from various facets of the hotel industry to strengthen both digital and physical security for guests and staff.

The summit programme includes sessions that go deep into the implications of digital technology such as AI and deep fake, as well as offering practical guidance on crisis management and boosting security awareness through gamification.

Each session is designed not only to inform, but also to equip participants with knowledge and tools that are directly applicable in their own operations. This annual event is not only an opportunity to learn and network, but also to shape a safer future for all hotel guests and staff.

For more info see www.hotelsecuritysummit.nl and take a step towards a safer future for your hotel and guests.