SIHOT is warning hospitality companies to address their IT security and take cyber attacks seriously following the latest advice from Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) to replace Kaspersky virus protection software.
The Russian attack on Ukraine puts IT security massively at risk, especially where Kaspersky is one of most used Antivirus software across Europe. This has the potential to cause far-reaching security consequences to businesses worldwide should there be a successful IT attack.
In recent weeks companies worldwide are coming under attack with their IT environments compromised, hospitality is not immune to these threats as a global industry – being one of the third most targeted sectors. SIHOT is urging all customers and the industry to source local regional providers of IT security systems and Antivirus software with immediate effect.
While SIHOT is maintaining protection of its systems globally and further safeguarding data by reinforcing security walls this will not fully protect all customer IT environments. Therefore it is essential all businesses invest in maintaining IT security systems throughout their organisation, particularly with increased remote working and digital access points. SIHOT is advising customers/industry to move to IT security systems and Anti-virus protection that covers the cloud infrastructure to reduce exposure of threats where on-premise software lacks the strength to deter attacks.
In addition, SIHOT provides the following guidance:
- Maintain a proper backup policy; it’s important to ensure that back ups store safe copies of the non-infected databases to prevent further infection.
- No simple passwords; develop a clear simple system to help staff manage complex passwords.
- Anti-Virus software; protect your devices and system entry points with the right level of security fencing to prevent viruses entering the network. It’s important to do your due diligence to source the appropriate partner for your system requirements.
- External vulnerability scan; detect weaknesses and potential threats across organisations systems and ensure recommendations are addressed.
- Password vaults – Ensure staff never write passwords down but that they’re stored and protected correctly.
SIHOT recommends first to source the appropriate partner, these marketplaces can be helpful:
https://www.capterra.co.uk/
https://hoteltechreport.com/building-management/cyber-security-and-fraud-prevention
SIHOT is hosting webinars to provide more information on the security threats.
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) warns against Kaspersky virus protection software. You should replace anti-virus software from Kaspersky company with alternative products.
As a result of the Russian attack on Ukraine, what has been said above is now of particular importance, as the BSI explains: “The actions of military and/or intelligence forces in Russia and the threats recently made by the Russian side in the course of the current military conflict against the EU, the NATO and the Federal Republic of Germany are associated with a considerable risk of a successful IT attack with farreaching consequences”.
About SIHOT
SIHOT by GUBSE AG is one of the leading modular hotel management software systems for leisure resorts, hotel chains, MICE hotels and hostels. SIHOT digitizes and simplifies all operational processes and creates customized hotel ecosystems through high adaptability and high-level third-party integration. The product portfolio includes a comprehensive property management system (PMS), hotel booking engine, point of sale (POS) system and event management (C&B) platform. The modular suite is highly customizable, and can be fully integrated or managed as a standalone system in the cloud as SaaS with complementary mobile management apps or on-premise. SIHOT technologies are backed by world-class customer service and user training.
Founded in 1986, owner-managed GUBSE AG, headquartered in Schiffweiler, Saarland, Germany, employs approximately 200 people at seven global locations. SIHOT is used in around 3,500 top hotels worldwide; the data servers are hosted entirely in Germany and are thus subject to strict German data protection requirements.
SIHOT’s global customers include Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Motel One, FTI Group, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Meininger Hotels, Mantra Hotels Resorts and Apartments, Alannia Resorts and Collegium Glashütten Zentrum für Kommunikation GmbH.