As travelers, we expect to be able to connect to the internet seamlessly when we stay at a hotel. However, in 2018, Marriott International experienced a massive data breach that compromised the personal information of millions of guests. The company revealed that the attack was carried out through a hack of its Starwood guest reservation database, which included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, gender, and passport numbers. The hackers also managed to access encrypted credit card information for some guests.

In this article, we will explore the Marriott hotel WiFi hack in detail and look at how it affected guests. We will also provide tips on how to protect yourself from future attacks and answer some frequently asked questions about the topic.

The Marriott Hotel WiFi Hack: What Happened?

The Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack was one of the biggest data breaches in history. It affected the Starwood guest reservation database, which was acquired by Marriott in 2016. The hack was first discovered in September 2018, but it is believed to have started as far back as 2014. According to Marriott, the hackers gained unauthorized access to the database and copied and encrypted information from it.

The company stated that the information stolen included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, and dates of birth. For some guests, the encrypted information also included credit card information. Marriott said that it has since terminated the Starwood database and implemented enhanced security measures.

How Did the Marriott Hotel WiFi Hack Happen?

The exact details of how the Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack happened are not entirely clear. However, it is believed that the hackers gained access to the Starwood database through an unsecured Wi-Fi network at one of the hotels. This allowed them to install malware on the network and gain access to the database.

Experts have warned that hotel Wi-Fi networks are often vulnerable to attacks because they are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to gain access. They recommend that travelers use a VPN or a personal hotspot to connect to the internet when staying at a hotel.

How Did the Marriott Hotel WiFi Hack Affect Guests?

The Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack affected millions of guests who had stayed at Starwood hotels between 2014 and 2018. The stolen information included sensitive personal information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, and dates of birth. For some guests, the encrypted information also included credit card information.

The hack has raised concerns about identity theft and fraud, as the stolen information could be used to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, or make fraudulent purchases. Marriott has offered affected guests a year of free identity theft protection and credit monitoring services.

How to Protect Yourself From Future Attacks

To protect yourself from future attacks like the Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Use a VPN or a personal hotspot to connect to the internet when staying at a hotel. This will encrypt your traffic and make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your device.

2. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, especially those that are unsecured. If you must use a public Wi-Fi network, make sure it is secured with a strong password.

3. Keep your software and devices up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This ensures that any known vulnerabilities are patched and closed.

4. Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

5. Be cautious when sharing personal information online. Avoid giving out sensitive information unless you trust the website or service.

People Also Asked

How Can I Check if My Information Was Stolen in the Marriott Hotel WiFi Hack?

Marriott has set up an avenue where guests can check if their information was stolen in the Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack. You can see the form and enter your information to verify if you were affected.

What Should I Do if My Information Was Stolen in the Marriott Hotel WiFi Hack?

If your information was stolen in the Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack, you should take steps to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. This includes monitoring your credit reports, reviewing your bank and credit card statements regularly, and changing your passwords for all your accounts.

Can I Sue Marriott for the Marriott Hotel WiFi Hack?

Several lawsuits have been filed against Marriott for the Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack. If you believe that you have been affected by the hack, you may be eligible to join one of these lawsuits or file your own lawsuit.

Has Marriott Improved its Security Since the Marriott Hotel WiFi Hack?

Marriott has implemented enhanced security measures since the Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack, including terminating the Starwood database and improving its cybersecurity protocols. 

How Common Are Hotel WiFi Hacks?

Hotel Wi-Fi hacks are becoming more common as hotels increasingly rely on technology to manage their operations. Hackers target hotels because they often have weak security protocols and handle sensitive personal information. It is important for travelers to take steps to protect themselves when staying at hotels.

Conclusion

The Marriott hotel Wi-Fi hack was a massive data breach that compromised the personal information of millions of guests. The hack was carried out through a hack of the Starwood guest reservation database, which included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, gender, and passport numbers. The hackers also managed to access encrypted credit card information for some guests.

To protect yourself from future attacks, you should use a VPN or a personal hotspot to connect to the internet when staying at a hotel, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, keep your software and devices up to date, use strong and unique passwords, and be cautious when sharing personal information online.

Fact check

As travelers, we expect to be able to connect to the internet seamlessly when we stay at a hotel. However, in 2018, Marriott International experienced a massive data breach that compromised the personal information of millions of guests. The company revealed that the attack was carried out through a hack of its Starwood guest reservation database, which included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, gender, and passport numbers. The hackers also managed to access encrypted credit card information for some guests.

URL: https://www.peeryhotel.com/?p=47832

Author Name: Peery Hotel

Published Date: May 15, 2023

Appearance Author: Peery Hotel

Appearance Published Date: May 15, 2023

Alternate Name: True

Editor's Rating:
4.5

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