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It is hard to forget how thousands of Target customers financial information was compromised last year due to a breach in security of the company's POS. Target is not the only company that has been infected with this program that steals credit and debit card information. Actually, there have been more than a thousand businesses affected by this malware that has come to be called "Backoff." The malware targets POS systems and has stolen millions of credit card numbers as well as personal information on millions of customers. A large majority of cybercrime is focused on attacking business's POS systems. The malware attacks systems by going through a list of common passwords until it is able to hack the system. "Backoff" then disguises itself as a compatible Java component and collects credit card information. However, Apple has recently announced Apple Pay and many believe this can diminish a lot of cybercrime.

It is hard to forget how thousands of Target customers financial information was compromised last year due to a breach in security of the company's POS. Target is not the only company that has been infected with this program that steals credit and debit card information. Actually, there have been more than a thousand businesses affected by this malware that has come to be called "Backoff." The malware targets POS systems and has stolen millions of credit card numbers as well as personal information on millions of customers. A large majority of cybercrime is focused on attacking business's POS systems. The malware attacks systems by going through a list of common passwords until it is able to hack the system. "Backoff" then disguises itself as a compatible Java component and collects credit card information. However, Apple has recently announced Apple Pay and many believe this can diminish a lot of cybercrime.

This article is about a new and advanced malware called Dexter that is targeting POS systems. The article reports that 30% of the infections are in the US (world wide). When the virus attacts the POS it steals credit card information that can be used to make duplicate credit cards to be used. There is software to help fight off the virus however people have never seen this kind of virus because of the power it was to attack the system, so this is something to be on the look out for.

This article is about the POS system at Hilton hotels and how it was breached by malware that put consumer data at risk. I found this article interesting because Hilton does not use unattended POS systems, which are what are most commonly targeted in information phishing attacks. This is definitely something that affects all aspects of the hospitality industry, and we know that consumer data is very sensitive. Hotels and other hospitality agencies are trusted to maintain high levels of confidentiality. It would be interesting to see how such a malware would have affected a smaller company with less counterattack resources.

Restaurants have always been an easy target for cyber security hackers, in particular, hackers who are looking for credit card and ID information. Restaurants provide hackers with a "wealth of client data" due to the high "volume of credit card transactions and CRM data available." Once given access, a hacker could simple install malware and duplicate all customer information. Already facing critical financial issues during Covid 19, restaurants large and small need to take a stronger presence in the protection of their data. If discovered to be the start of a breach, customers will tend to avoid that business. "Chipotle, for example...got devalued by about $400 million after they suffered a breach," and many small restaurants "go belly up six months after an attack." Below is a summary of the types of attachs restaurants face: 1. Unprotected Wifi 2. Social engineering and phishing attacks. This is actually the one that stood out to me the most because of how sophisticated these attacks can be. It is a reminder that we are all at risk, both the technologically challenged and gifted. 3. Malware 4. Covid 19 Scams 5. Grub hub scams 6. Supply chain scams *A particular issue for restaurants and commercial businesses right now as companies scramble to find new vendors who can supply them with the products they require. 7. Public Health scams 8. Government Stimulus scams 9. Technical support scams How can we fight against these? Here are the recommendations: 1. PCI compliance 2. Hire and IT security professional to conduct a risk analysis and if possible, keep on as a consultant or full time 3. Keep a secure network and change free passwords daily 4. Use the latest operating systems, force multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, and use encryption services for data storage and transfers 5. Install and use robust web-filters and security software programs 6. Maybe most important!!! Train your employees. 5.

FBI issues warning to people traveling abroad that free Wi-Fi systems can pose a threat. Malware and other attacks on hotel wi-fi has become a bigger and bigger threat for hotel internet users.  This artical introduced 9  tips to use wi-fi safely.  1. Update Before Leaving 2. Block Pop-Ups  3. Handle Free Wi-Fi With Caution 4. Read Hotel Wi-Fi Directions 5. VPN Tunneling Secures Free Wi-Fi  6. Download Software Updates Directly From Vendors 7. Beware Wired Hotel Connections 8. Consider Using A "Burner" Laptop  9. Don't Be Afraid To Hibernate  All these tips indicate that to use internet safely, we should be alter to potential risks, be wise and have a good habit when access internet. 

This article brings to light security threats that are transfered via hotel networks. Fake software updates are used to hide malware which is installed on the computer when the update is accepted. The FBI offers tips on how to avoid being exposed to this after data on several hundred firms was stolen by hackers. The hackers broke into Marriott International Inc.'s records and had access confidential information. This article is important because firms have the responsibility of providing security for the clients as well as themselves. It is important to be aware of threats like this and of how it can be avoided so that the firm isn't put in a bad situation and have to deal with stolen information. With mobile devices and wireless networks becoming more common these types of threats need to be taken into consideration. Most users don't read the fine print or consider where software updates are coming from, especially if it looks like the source is a hotel they are staying at. This makes it even more critical that the hotel is aware of and blocking these threat because claiming that it was done without the knowledge of the hotel may not always be enough and looks badly for the security.

This article contains information about the detection of data stealing malware by researchers in an Israel-based company (Seculert). Follow up research discovered that malware was found in POS systems in hotels and other businesses as well. It is believed that the payment hubs are the next cybercriminal targets. In the article, it explains what the malware was and how to identify it. Researchers agree that it doesn't directly infect the systems, but was created to make analysis difficult. Though it is relieving that this malware had been detected, it shows the importance of higher security for POS systems. So many payments are made through these systems. Any attacks can jeopardize the privacy of customers' payment information and company information. This could lead to a distrust issue and could end badly for companies. So, the security definitely needs improving. However, it should be remembered that hackers get smarter daily. So, information will not always be safe. This leads to the need of companies to constantly improve their security. It would be a good start.

This article tells us about the fact, that now days the global hospitality industry is one of the industries which is most frequently targeted by hackers. In order to avoid any attacks there must be tighter control across a hotel and its network of partners. So the main 3 aspects which will help to avoid attacks are: -assess risks everywhere -protect the POS system -find malware and keep data protected

Even though this article is from 2019 it is still extremely relevant today. POS systems are found in most hospitality outlets and the chances for a security breach are high. I have often thought when I had my credit card to a waiter and they are gone for 10 minutes are they copying the number, is it being added to a database that can then be hacked? The importance of having the proper securities in place, the proper malware and security software is really important. Having had a catering company for 20 years I had to do PCI compliance tests every 6 months and for years I just handed it over to my IT to do the test. He would suggest things to make us safer and since it usually cost money I would shake it off. It wasnt until the credit card processing company i was using had a security breach that I realized how important these PCI rules were. It is something going forward I will always pay attention to!

This article highlights several important security issues in the hospitality industry, followed by the practice of protecting data from loss. The data structure of the hotel industry is complex, customers mainly use bank cards to pay, and the staff turnover rate is high. There are certain internal threats. In order to solve these problems and avoid data loss, it is not enough to strengthen network security. It is also important that employees are trained and familiar with and comply with relevant regulations.

Hospitality offers an ideal target vector for conducting Cyber crimes such as identity theft and credit card fraud due to the existence of multiple databases and devices containing both Payment Card Information (PCI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Restaurants, hotels, and other companies in the hospitality sector often have complex ownership structures with an individual owner or group of owners, and a management company that acts as the operator. Each of these groups may use different computer systems to store information, and the information can also frequently move across those systems.

In this article, we learn about the top five data security risks as well as best practices to help prevent data breaches. According to the article, the hospitality industry is a prime target since it stores a vast amount of sensitive guest information like names, phone numbers, addresses, and credit card numbers. Some of the five risks included complex ownership structures, reliance on paying by card, and insider threats to name a few. In order to avoid these threats, the article suggest that companies become PCI compliant, use cybersecurity measures like firewalls, and know where exactly their data is stored.

This article talks about secure technology measures for the travel industry. The myth that Apple iOS devices are not infected with viruses is a total lie. But what is true is that Android devices are much more susceptible to malware attacks than Apple iOS devices. The big boss of security "for years…was what made Blackberry the darling of IT departments everywhere." But now what has driven new markets especially transportation is the increasing use of Android devices. American Airlines uses thousands of Android Galaxy Notes for flight attendants and in-flight entertainment devices for passengers as well as those used by the maintenance crew. Samsung's SAFE platform was a key reason the company was influenced to go through with the product because of a security issue. It's important to remember that not one device is immune and to explore an innovative and secure option when picking a device.

In recent news, Arby's acknowledge a data breach within its restaurants. "Arby's said the breach involved malware placed on payment systems inside Arby's corporate stores, and that Arby's franchised restaurant locations were not impacted." Once figured out the company hired security experts to solve the problem. The initial sign of breach came from a service organization that serves more than 800 credit unions called PSCU. An alert was sent to all cardholders that a fast food chain had been compromised, but no specifics were mentioned. This article points out that, "point of sale malware has driven most of the major retail industry credit card breaches over the past two years." Monitoring your credit/debit card transactions is the best way to be safe in this situation- as long as you report the fraudulent charges you aren't liable. While IT has many positives for any organization, it's not risk adverse. Once a system is hacked all information of company and past users is up for grabs, and credit card companies are forced to take the blow.

This article outlines some of the main cyber attacks on the Hospitality industry. It exposes the threats due to the wealth of data stored in PMS, POS and CRM and suggests steps to take to protect against malware and randsomeware. The article further highlights the necessity for antivirus software on all devices.

The article describes the five most common cybersecurity risks for hotel brands such as ransomware, remote hacking and DDoS attacks. The operational elements of each risk have also been discussed. It also covers best practices that hotels and other hospitality organizations can adopt to curb breaches.

The article by Eric Geier is mainly an informative piece as well as a basic tutorial of Internet Explorer Settings. Geier focuses on security, the core of a browser's purpose next to actual browsing. He provides a few tricks that aren't always set for users, such as tracking protection, a feature that protects your privacy and reduces pop-ups, especially from unwanted ads. The largest focus of the article is what I find most important, and it's most talked about for a reason. Staying on top of a browser's update is essential for not only the browser's performance but most importantly for your computer's security. To put it into perspective, every time you get on Internet Explorer, it's like leaving your house. If you update your browser constantly, you are always making sure the door is locked. But the longer you wait between updates the more likely the door will be unlocked. And if you completely forget to update for an extended period of time it's like leaving the door open for malware, or malicious software.

This article talks about the recent hack of HEI Hotel & Resorts that occurred in June of this year, where 20 HEI-operated hotels were breached via their POS system. The malware had been discovered in June but the company reported that it could have been active since March 1st, 2015 in some systems. The article also talks about how POS systems are common targets for hacking and goes on to mention some of the other recent cybersecurity risks that have occurred in the industry, where their POS systems were the targets of hacking. The American Hotel & Lodging Association met with a group of other associations to discuss the issues of cybersecurity and look for possible solutions. However, the industry has not taken measures to amplify their security, probably due to the history with certain IT standards, the cost of starting over, and potential privacy issues. The article claims that, overall, the industry has not done much to change the inherent security risks with regards to technology.

The article discusses ransomware attacks on hospitality properties. A 2016 attack left guests locked out of their rooms but the threat could affect different areas of a hospitality business and cause significant disruption to their business. Properties need to be prepared for a security breach with an action plan to prevent cyber-attack. The article points out that it's important to act quickly to segment the network and try to prevent any new devices from being infected. Best practice recommends regular backups and a recovery plan, using anti malware software and being cautious with employee installed software. The most important thing a company can do is to be proactive and prepared for an attack.

Due to the vulnerability of some POS systems, hackers have made the example of SAP whose POS system does not authenticate or check any internal commands, meaning if an hacker is able to get into their POS system they can change prices, add discounts and even disable the check out systems. Even though they have made the example out of SAP, it is said that this vulnerability is across almost all POS systems. One reason that this is happening is because many companies that run their POS system off the internet are not updating their programs, such as the windows, the internet explorer or the POS system itself. Today companies are very aware of the measures they must take to ensure their POS systems are safe as many breaches have happened causing many people to have their personal data stolen, therefore due to the efforts POS system breaches have been decreasing over the recent years.

Criminals compromised a third-party point of sale (POS) vendor's data system and utilized the vendor's assistance tools to gain remote access-and the ability to deploy malware-to some Huddle House corporate and franchisee POS systems," Huddle House said in a security alert listed on its front page.

Huddle House said the malware deployed on its POS system was designed to collect data such as cardholder name, credit/debit card number, expiration date, cardholder verification value, and service code.

Recently Huddle House's POS system was hacked by someone and it revealed thousands of customers debit and/or credit cards information. Hackers were able to take advantage of the software in the POS system by adding malware to different corporate and franchisee locations. Huddle House released a statement to customers to be aware of their credit card/debit accounts to make sure there's no suspicious activity. It's too early to tell if this security breach will affect pre-existing and new customers. Huddle House will need to implement a security software patch, or consider changing its POS systems.

Researchers from Arbor Networks and IntelCrawler identify new attacks using malware designed for point-of-sale systems. " https://diigo.com/0bdlpi

Cybercrime has been on the rise since the outbreak of the coronavirus and hackers are capitalizing on the fact that people are now more concerned about protecting themselves and their loved ones. It is important to be more aware now as an organization in making sure that employees are informed on safety measures on using systems when there at home, using the needed resources in increasing cyber security and backing up important information.