Group items tagged

A new set of standards is coming up for credit card transactions. EMV or Europay, Mastercard, Visa, standards include a chip-and-pin device on the card that requires the card to be inserted into the card processing terminal. While this does not prevent all fraud, it's important that this standard is mandatory by 2015 and business operators should be preparing for changes.

There was a huge data breach at THSuite which exposed 85,000 files, some of those files being personal identification information. Dispensaries usually collect a lot of information to comply with U.S State laws. The files that were retrieved by the hackers means they can take advantage of those profiles. THSuite is looking at fines of up to $50,000 PER record or jail time.

Like the tittle said, this article introduced some basic methods to keep data safe when connecting to public wireless hotspots. The author pointed out that whenever we connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots, most single piece of data can be picked up by anyone within range of the same network. It is very important to keep our data safety especially in the public place. The author introduced ten methods to protect data safety. It included turn off "auto connect", don't share files on computer, get a 3G or 4G adapter, create your own secure connection with a VPN, connect securely to your home PC, then connect to sites you need, firewall your computer and so on. During introducing the methods to protect the data, the author also told basic knowledge about how the data will be picked up by others.  In the part of don't share files on computer, the author pointed out that many people choose home network when they are connecting into public Wi-Fi which can let other people stole the sharing files. Also the firewall for the computer is really necessary to protect the data in the computer. Finally, the author told an easiest implementation which is restrict what you do on Wi-Fi. People should not do anything on Wi-Fi that you wouldn't want to share with anyone else like bill payments. It can let other people know your account and password when you make payments through public Wi-Fi.

Cloud computing offers a more efficient way for hotels to keep up with data and programs for their company. When a hotel uses cloud computing, they are able to create more of a positive experience for their guests. It also is extremely helpful to use a cloud-based system because hotels could access their cloud-based application on any device. Cloud-based software also gets better with age because the updates can be made at any time so this will get rid of negative depreciation.

The article discusses the hotel industry's adoption of cloud computing. By using cloud computing, you can use programs, upload files, and access data over the internet instead of storing them locally. Cloud computing and local storage are used together in some applications. In addition to hardware, software, training, and maintenance, IBM offered an extensive range of services. Due to Cloudbeds' ability to integrate with other tools, they have experienced rapid growth. Integrations can offer upgrades and analyze reviews, among other things, so you can provide better service and increase revenue. By implementing cloud-based software, hotels can stay ahead of the competition, save time for employees, and give their guests a better experience.

This article describes what cloud computing is, and what it isn't, so people understand how it can be seen in the industry. The storing of data on the internet has been a huge innovation as it expanded storage beyond the typical storage offered on a device. By switching to this new technology, businesses may minimize future investments as the technology tends to work for many years and only requires quick updates. By researching what your business and customers need, you can make the right choices on whether this investment is worth it or not for your property.

To design a website hardware and software tools are needed. A computer with a large hard disk, Random Access Memory to store data, high processing speed and large storage capacity is necessary to be able to process large video files that you would need to put on these websites. with videos, its best to take them yourself so as to lessen the cost of production. Two servers are needed both hardware and software. Microsoft front page is a software needed before constructing the site because it is a website design and management tool that is used to add, rename, delete or move around files. It also contains web pages, graphics, documents and multimedia. A good anti-virus or software is important to have for web design to prevent external threats. Backing up the website should be done through emails, where it can be restored if any problems occur. With mobile web design and editing software you can edit your site from any location and it can be viewed on smart phones, PDAs etc. Some website require databases, for example Dynamic websites. This is prepared with fresh information and is easier to update with new contents for the webpage.

Todays world is highly competitive, which means there is constantly a need for change. This is especially true regarding the technology available in the hospitality industry. For instance, the filing systems of each company…everyone has one, disorganized or not. The problem arises when you need a piece of information and are unable to locate it. Systems like HRIS can help eliminate this problem. It can reduce the amount of paperwork involved in each employee and act as a central place for information to be located.

This article goes into how secure is data that is stored in the cloud. There are three different types of cloud storage. one is public, two is private and three is hybrid. The article states that most companies go with hybrid because of its versatility. cloud storage does have built in security that includes intrusion detection, internal firewalls and file encryption. the article does list that there is security risk that come with cloud storage. week passwords are one of the main concerns when it comes to cloud security. Cloud companies do what's called breach drills to see if there are any weakness in the security and if there are how do they handle the situation if the system is compromised. this article does list the pros and cons of cloud services but in the end, it shows that the writer for this article is biased towards the use of cloud services.

Breach drills sound like a great idea! It would be helpful in continually maximizing security efforts and determining weak points in the system, especially with technology advances and computer viruses becoming stronger.

This article discusses ways that the travel industry can combat cyberthreats. The main cyber concern for hotels' is phishing, which is a scam that collects credit card information by pretending to be apart of a hotel's front desk staff. The article mentions that IT departments should do routinely updates to operating systems and back up data and files. Employees should also be trained to help prevent data breaches. The author briefly touched on what to do when your hotel system is hacked and even dives into how the airline industry is still very unequipped to handle cyberattacks and threats. This is a great read to learn how to keep up with best security practices in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Cloud computing allows you to store and access files via the internet rather than the computer's hard drive. Switching to this system saves on costs, extra security measures, and connection and access issues you may be experiencing when working remotely. Data loss is always a risk when your files are stored in a place with only one access point, with cloud computing the files are stored on the internet making it more secure. Cloud computing also allows you to easily work with others in different departments or offices altogether since the files can be shared and accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

There is a lot more to the cloud than I thought. As an owner of a macbook i do store lots of things on the "cloud" but I can't help to feel like not being able to physically touch something that has my files, like a hard drive..is real. I know it is but maybe I'm just real old school. I think I need to start trusting the cloud more, especially this day in age.

This article gives a brife introduction of the functions and advantages of computer networks. There are also discussions about the computer network security issues.

This article gives a brife introduction of the functions and advantages of computer networks. There are also discussions about the computer network security issues.

Computer networks are great for home or small businesses, and can also be wide area networks (WAN) reaching across the world to bring shared technology to large corporations or global industries. Another important facet is computer network security which operators should be aware of when looking at networking through a WAN. Networking will also allow a family or business to share various files. Windows allows for easy entry to another computer's files, making it possible to access information from one desktop to another. Other computer network activities include: sharing a printer, playing games that allow multiple users on different desktops, and sending output devices to other computers in the home. There are different levels of security, and the reason for use of computer networking will determine how much security should be installed. The highest levels of security will block out everything coming into the desktop, even email, with the lowest levels of computer network security allowing in email spam and undetected viruses.

The hospitality industry is experiencing a technological transformation. Current technology is improving and being put to better or new uses. According to this article in Hospitality Magazine, there are seven technologies that are taking the industry by storm. 1. Online Booking Systems I agree with the many industry insiders that now consider an online booking system essential. Penetrating the online marketplace is an absolutely mandatory part of the formula for success. However, opinions differ when it comes to how to accomplish this aspiration. As expressed in the article "Taking back control of the direct channel for hotels" posted on the class ScoopIt!, using online travel agents as a properties online booking system has easy setup and maintenance but lacks true customization and can put a sizable dent in profit margins, but building and utilizing a 100 percent customized system does not necessarily grant instant access to hundreds of travels sites on the web. Over all, I am of the opinion that online travel agents are still the best option-for now-because the pros out way the cons. 2. Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) Primarily used for mobile or self-ordering, EPOS systems can replace waitresses' use of paper orders and remote/hidden POS systems. In my opinion, this streamlines the look of the restaurant floor and provides better and more instantaneous service. Panera Bread uses self-order tablets as some of their locations that allow customers who know what they want to order traditional menu items quickly and independently. Having used this system, I find it more of a novelty than a convenience because the system isn't exactly self-explanatory. Currently, the technology is much more enjoyable as an aid to waitresses where the restaurant can experience increased efficiency and a higher standard of service while guests can experience the "that's cool" factor without the frustration of having to navigate the service themselves.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) CRM technology provides efficient electronic storage and management of contracts and customer information and many versions also feature cloud-based applications that provide easy access to frontline employees. Electronic storage and online back-up are not totally new ideas (i.e. the floppy disc) and despite the long way these technologies have come is, in my opinion, not enough to do away completely with paper back ups. Even with electronic files, my previous property kept basic papers for 1 year and more sensitive files for much longer. Basically, CRM technology is something we should utilize more, but I doubt many will do away with a paperback up system anytime soon. 4. Marketing Automation Automatic email and text communications have been made possible by the development and improvement of marketing automation technology. Having worked with this type of technology, there is not an overabundance of companies/technologies from which to chose; however, the technology available various greatly in effectiveness and quality. In my opinion, Constant Contact is the best marriage of quality and ease of use for marketing automation technology available. This type of marketing can really step us a properties game, but beware of poor performing products. 5. Social Media According to the article, photos are the most popular posts by social media users, but the arena has become a bonafide space for reviews. While sites such as TripAdvisor and Expedia provide a niche arena for travel/tourism/hospitality related communication, general social media sites also invite open, unfiltered discussion. Whole social media is BIG, it is important for companies to assess and utilize only the social media outlets that their demographic are actively using.

6. Smartphones Smartphones are already super convenient. They are constantly being integrated and synced with our daily lives. Applications such as Apple Pay, in combination with CapitalOne, have provided another level of integration. Currently, there is talk and work on guests being able to use their cell phones as hotel room keys but I wouldn't be surprised if in the future we will have QR Code or RFID storage for our driver licenses, insurance policies and other important information. 7. Smart Appliances A part of American households for sometime, smart appliances are beginning to make their way into the hospitality industry. Luxuries such as electronically controlled blinds, thermostats, lights and more are something we can expect to see in hotels sometime in the future. My biggest concern is the time between now and implementation because while these products are available for purchase by consumers directly, they have not taken off nor seemed to gain any ground in the typical household. Could the hospitality industry be just as slow to adopt these technologies? I believe that it is likely so-mainly due to the high cost of implementation. In conclusion, technology is still advancing and most industries are feeling the pressure to update existing technology and adopt new technology. In the hospitality industry this is especially true.

This article talks about how there is a serious concern in the hotel industry when it comes to credit card and identity theft. They talk about how all the major brands in the hotel industry were all victims of highly publicized, major breaches in the last year alone. Also, including airline and banks, hotels maintain a wealthy amount of database of personal and financial data. For example, with new technology systems being created, POS systems are a weak security point for many networks because they are constantly in use and are not always updated or even protected from vulnerabilities. The article talks about personal details for hotel guests are frequently stored in a variety of locations including restaurants, facilities, and government buildings, so hackers have a greater possibility to access your personal information. The bigger hotels are in more danger because of the volume of guests that come in and out of the location. Smaller hotels should be concerned not just about their security but also by ransomware, an increasingly favorable tactic to extort hoteliers by hackers who encrypt the hotels data making it inaccessible until ransom is paid for. I believe hotels need a toolbelt of various securtiy technologies that can be used to prevent future malicious attacks. I think by managing and implementing a firewall is essential which helps get rid of dangerous traffic from coming onto the network and preventing sensitive data from being hacked.

MOD 10: This article discusses the main tactics of cyber hackers that target hotels. Point of sale (POS) systems are easy targets for hackers due to their constant use during operation hours and because of that their security measures aren't always up to date. Hotels have large data banks since they're storing consumer profile information such as home addresses, phone numbers and credit card numbers. There's a large risk when it comes to security breaches within franchises because they have access to their parent company's regional, national and global systems. If their systems are hacked and breached, then that puts the whole system of the brand at risk. Security breaches within a system can also damage a brands reputation with the public. According to the article, "Recent major breaches at Fortune 500 companies and household names across the retail, restaurant and hotel sectors demonstrate that anti-virus, anti-malware and firewalls alone are not enough to secure businesses from the ever-evolving threat landscape." Smaller properties are even at a greater risk because not only do they have to monitor their compliance with PCI but also monitoring their security systems for their database and PMS system. Some of the recommended software's that should be used by hotels looking to be proactive with their company's cyber security is File Integrity Monitoring(FIM), Unified Threat Management(UTM), and Security Information and Event Management(SIEM).

This article explores the different tactics hotels should use after a cyber attack. The article mentions several different type of attacks such as Phishing when hackers trick customers into giving up their login credentials. Ransomware, when hackers encrypt data making it unusable and inaccessible for the hotel. Not one solution but rather companies should be equipped with a series of technologies from firewalls to file monitoring programs. Some of these technologies, like SIEM requires an intelligent IT team to have the capabilities of analyzing and monitoring the reports produced. This may be more difficult for smaller businesses to implement and maintain.

I found this pdf file, titled 'The Tourism and Hospitality Industry Goes Green' online from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Department of Environmental Protection. It mentions why going green is good, and mentions areas such as cost savings, health, liability, environment, as well as public image. Further, it talks about what tourism and hospitality related companies can do to go green where it gives examples for employees in the (back) office, what one can do in restaurants/lounges/dining areas, as well as in the guest rooms. The pdf file also mentioned, which was new to me, that the American Hotel and Motel Association publishes material for the logging industry - which can also be accessed online - on what one can do to go green.

Although this article is not specific to the hospitality industry it discusses how new technology has changed accounting and how the role of an accountant has evolved. The author mentions five ways that technology is transforming accounting. I found the following very interesting and believe they relate to the hospitality industry. These include: cloud computing, innovations in tax software, mobile accounting, and OCR technology. We have already covered cloud computing and its benefits in previous modules. Cloud computing allows accounting professionals to perform tasks remotely by accessing the cloud. Advancements in technology has allowed tax software to be much more powerful and useful to accounting. In the past when tax laws would change accountants would spend months learning the new laws. It is now much easier with modern technology and software. OCR technology in my opinion helps all industries that require any soft of bookkeeping/ file keeping. With OCR technology you can convert scanned docs, PDF files, and even images into editable data. The best benefit of this technology is that it allows you to organize all data and make it searchable.

    This website is a homepage of the company called Immerauf. This company is to provide network service and sell the technology products that are related to the hotels. Human Resources Information System is also a product of theirs.     As everybody know, without an effective HRIS, the hospitality management system could not be considered completely. The functions of the HRIS are managing the recruitment, shift, attendance, requirement and so on. They highly recommend their HRIS technology product. And they mentioned their partner Greytip Software. The partner is a focused HR & Payroll software solutions company.     They introduced a few basic own and partner's history and stated they had groups of customers, more experience, and superior engineering.     They list some products overview, such as Folklore HCM, Payroll, Attendance Software and Training. All of the products could help hotels to reduce the transaction costs, improve employee morale, communicate better, eliminate the fussy processing, increase productivity, save time and effort.

HRIS technology plays a very important role in hospitality industry. There is no hospitality management system can be considered complete without an effective HRIS system. This technology manages the recruitment, staff-shifts, time&attendance, and many other aspects of the HR requirements in hotel. It is very useful especially for Human Resources. This tech is also backed up with high quality customer support and service. Some of the support is timely and relevant, ensuring a high degree of usability for our products. It can help us do track record, products overview, folklore attendance software and so on. It can not only drill down to history files, but also provide e-leave application& training management.

this article is talking about the Greytip Software. this software has many solutions. it can help the manager monitor the HR activities and payroll activity. using this system, the managers can analyse their hotel attrition rate and make measures in time.managers can easily promote the employee information management, develop training management, create compensation,share benefits, supervise attendance management. this way can save money and time. managers do not need to set up sheets of attendance, employee behavior, punishment or rewards,etc. depended on the computer, the process of management goes more smoothly.

In this paper a computer network is defined to be a set of autonomous, independent computer systems, interconnected so as to permit interactive resource sharing between any pair of systems. An overview of the need for a computer network, the requirements of a computer communication system, a description of the properties of the communication system chosen, and the potential uses of such a network are described in this paper.

The goal of the computer network is for each computer to make every local resource available to any computer in the net in such a way that any program available to local users can be used remotely without degradation. That is, any program should be able to call on the resources of other computers much as it would call a subroutine. The resources which can be shared in this way include software and data, as well as hardware. Within a local community, time-sharing systems already permit the sharing of software resources. An effective network would eliminate the size and distance limitations on such communities. Currently, each computer center in the country is forced to recreate all of the software and data files it wishes to utilize. In many cases this involves complete reprogramming of software or reformatting the data files. This duplication is extremely costly and has led to considerable pressure for both very restrictive language standards and the use of identical hardware systems. With a successful network, the core problem of sharing resources would be severely reduced, thus eliminating the need for stifling language standards. The basic technology necessary to construct a resource sharing computer network has been available since the advent of time-sharing. For example, a time-sharing system makes all its resources available to a number of users at remote consoles. By splicing two systems together as remote users of each other and permitting user programs to interact with two consoles (the human user and the remote computer), the basic characteristics of a network connection arc obtained. Such an experiment was made between the TX-2 computer at Lincoln Lab and the Q-32 computer at SDC in 1966 in order to test the philosophy.' Logically, such an interconnection is quite powerful and one can tap all the resource of the other system. Practically, however, the interconnection of pairs of computers with console grade communication service is virtually useless. Firs

The FTC filed suit against Wyndham Hotels for millions of dollars worth of fraud in June of this year. Wyndham hotels manages over 7,00 hotels worldwide. Incidents occurred a numerous amount of times over the past three years. The company was hacked into and stole credit card numbers from over 500,000 clients. In the first occurrence the money was wired into an account in Russia. Even after the first incident Wyndham hotels did not fix the security breach allowing the hackers to get in.

The hotel is a perfect place for hackers to attack because they have easy access to retrieve thousands of guest information including credit card information, billing addresses, and much more personal information. Nicholas Percoco, senior vice president of Trustwave's SpiderLabs, mentioned that the credit card and debit card information is the most in demand by hackers because it is easiest to turn into cash quickly. There are three main steps in a typical data breach and how attackers mostly operate at each level: initial entry, data harvesting, and exfiltration. Close to half of these attacks occur via remote access applications, of which 90 percent exploit default or weak passwords. Around 42 percent of attacks occurred via third-party connections; 6 percent via SQL injection; 4 percent via exposed services; and 2 percent via remote file inclusion attacks. Interestingly, less than 1 percent began with an email Trojan. As an IT manager of the hotel, it is crucial to recognize how serious the consequences are for the hotel should the data not be protected well. 

Hey all, here is an article I found that talks about hackers taking over the hospitality industry. It mentions how hackers main objective is to gain access to debit accounts and gain access to customer cash. Also, hackers are also able to infiltrate POS systems along with other valuable technology with in the hospitality industry. Nearly half of these attacks occur via remote access applications, of which 90 percent exploit default or weak passwords, according to the report. Around 42 percent of attacks occurred via third-party connections; 6 percent, SQL injection; 4 percent, exposed services; and 2 percent, remote file inclusion attacks. Interestingly, less than 1 percent began with an email Trojan.

hackers are EVERYWHERE!

Through a partnership between a tech company and a hotel association, a new HRIS specific to the needs of hospitality has been born. The system is cloud-based, providing full accessibility in a 24/7 industry. Not only does the system house compliance, training and employment files but it also provides templates for letters, contracts and policies. The system promises to enhance efficiency and streamline processes.

Last year a law suit was filed against Wyndham Worldwide because the company did not protect their customer credit card data efficiently on their PMS. The company caused over $10 million in fraudulent losses. In this case, Wyndham had be allegedly using weak login credentials in their property management systems. This is the key vector for data breaches. "According to the FTC, Wyndham Worldwide had many points of weakness in their security chain including; storing credit card information in plain text, storing sensitive security codes (aka CVV/CVS/CVC data), not using firewalls, not enforcing strong passwords, not using updated operating systems, and not having adequate logging.'