Data security - tips & tricks: what hoteliers should pay attention to

In an increasingly digitized world, where data is more and more at the heart of almost every industry, the security of data is of utmost importance. Especially for businesses in the hotel industry that store a wealth of sensitive and person-related information, it is crucial to depend on reliable and secure software solutions.

The recent Motel One incident highlights how vulnerable hotels in particular can be to security breaches. In this blog post, we will focus on the importance of data security, list some key criteria to help you decide and explain why it is particularly safe to choose a provider that stores data in Germany.

No compromise on data security

Our personal data is valuable and sensitive. When we book a hotel room or share our preferences, we leave digital trails that benefit both guests and the hotel. But they can also be an invitation for data breaches and cyber attacks. Therefore, data security should be non-negotiable for businesses. Security breaches can not only cause significant financial losses and legal consequences, but also jeopardize customer trust in particular.

Especially in the hotel industry, trust is an important pillar in customer loyalty, which is why a data leak can cause lasting damage to the company's reputation. This in turn can lead to price reductions, as the achievable rates of a hotel are closely related to its reputation.

Aspects of data security

Encryption: Data must be securely encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
Data backup: Regular backups are crucial to prevent data loss.
Access control: Control over who can access which data is of great importance and must be conscientiously defined by companies (e.g. no shared passwords, inactivation of access data when an employee leaves the company/department).
Location of hosting: The physical location where data is hosted also plays an important role.

Advantages of German Hosting Providers

When it comes to choosing a hosting provider, the location where the data is hosted is of great importance. Germany stands out here due to a number of advantages:

Strict data protection regulations: Germany has the strictest data protection regulations in the world. Companies that host data in Germany must adhere to high standards for the protection of personal data.
Data security and integrity: German data centers are known for their first-class data security and integrity. They are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to protect data from physical and digital threats.
Legal security: The legal environment in Germany offers companies a high level of security. In case of problems, they can fall back on an established legal system.
Customer trust: The fact that data is hosted in Germany can increase the trust of guests. Many guests appreciate it when companies choose secure hosting solutions.

Choosing the right software for a hotel, especially in terms of data security and protection against data theft, is crucial. Here are some important criteria a hotelier should consider when building his system infrastructure:

Encryption and security: Ensure that the software uses strong encryption methods to protect data during transmission and storage. There should also be additional authentication mechanisms between the software and any integrations connected to it. So that not only the data exchanged between the systems is encrypted, but it is also ensured that the software recognises where the data is coming from. Thus, the software is protected from "outside" attacks. Deliberately sending incorrect data cannot enter the system and thus manipulate or destroy data.
Access control: The software should provide comprehensive access control to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive hotel and guest data. This may include role-based access management. In Hotellistat, for example, you can specify exactly which person has access to which data and to which system functions.
Regular software updates: Software should be regularly maintained and updated to address security vulnerabilities and defend against current threats.
Data backup and recovery: The software should enable automatic and regular data backups to ensure easy recovery in case of data loss or corruption. As an all-in-one revenue management system, Hotellistat takes care of keeping your data safely tucked away so you can access it whenever you need it.
Authentication and password policies: Implement strong authentication methods and ensure that the software encourages the use of strong passwords by users. This may include multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Data protection policies and compliance: Check that the software complies with the data protection regulations and legal requirements that apply to your hotel and region, such as the GDPR in the European Union.
User training: Ensure your staff are trained on security best practices and data protection to minimize the risk of data leaks.
Experience and reputation of the provider: Research the vendor of the software. An established vendor with a good reputation for data security is often a good choice.
Experience of other users: Interview other hoteliers or customers of the software provider to find out their experiences regarding data security and privacy.
Data breach contingency plan: Make sure you have a contingency plan for dealing with data breaches that can be effectively implemented in the event of an incident.

It is advisable to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment before selecting hotel software and to take into account the specific requirements and concerns of your hotel. After all, in this time and age, you should not be willing to compromise when it comes to your own data or even the personal data of your customers.

Hotellistat: your data is in good hands

Hotellistat is your trusted partner and places the highest value on the security of your data. Our hosting infrastructure is located in Germany and meets the strict requirements of data protection regulations. We offer state-of-the-art encryption, regular backups and strict access controls to protect your data.

Summary

The hospitality industry faces an exciting digital future. Regardless of size or type of property, choosing trusted technology partners that adhere to specific security standards, data protection and cybersecurity measures is essential. Whether it's a small or large hotel, at the end of the day, any hotel can become a target and should therefore address the issue of data security and take an in-depth look at data backup measures