A Review of Cyber Security Issues in Hospitality Industry

The purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of cyber security in hospitality industry. This study further identifies and analyzes several common network threats and recommends useful security practices and techniques to prevent cyber attacks in hotels. This study is a rich source of information for Information Technology (IT) directors and Chief Information Officers (CIO) to advance their policies and procedures for security of electronic information in hotels using the most recent and updated information available in the area of hospitality industry. The methodology of this study is a unique combination of qualitative method and review method for an in-depth understanding of real-life issues within the industry and the most recent technical and practical solutions that hotels use to handle and solve these issues. The findings of this study show that the techniques currently utilized by hotels to prevent cyber attacks are mostly rudimentary and outdated. Furthermore, study indicates that most of the hotel staff lacks the knowledge and expertise to handle potential threats and thus hospitality industry becomes even more vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks. Finally, the paper discusses some implications and recommendations to hotel’s policy makers to help secure the hotels’ and guests’ information from security attacks.