Maintaining Data Security
Hotel Business Review|January - February 2019

Guests’ security in the hospitality industry, today, does not merely refer to physical safety but also involves protecting guest identity and mental peace of mind. With data breaches making headlines over the last few years the threat of misuse of stolen data has been a factor that is priority in the minds of the industry professionals. This is primarily due to two major factors: one, the hotels collect large amounts of data from their guests directly and through third parties; and two that the industry has a checkered track record in protecting guests’ personal information. There is, thus, a demand from the guests to focus strongly on data security. Though it is difficult for the hotels to escape data security threats in today’s fast moving, digitally charged environment, it is not an impossible task. With technologies that are continuously evolving to help hoteliers address their data security risks and concerns, the industry is now feeling a little relieved. Ashok Malkani takes a look at the current scenario and how the industry is tackling this issue.

Ashok Malkani
Maintaining Data Security

Some years ago, in the hospitality industry, guest safety was a very simple process. The innovative happening, till about a decade ago, was only providing an in-room safe for valuables. This was mainly because, at that time, guest security involved only securing people and their physical possessions.

Now, however, hospitality industry’s business is no longer a simple one that merely involves putting heads in the bed or, organizing sleeping accommodation for the guests. Today, it is a complex process which requires hotels to find out a great deal of information about the guests. Collating that information and processing it may provide opportunities for the hotel to serve the guest more efficiently. In the new digital universe in which we live, guest data is important in a very obvious sense. Knowing who your customers are and how to communicate with them is very much part of the goodwill of a hotel.

Today, the most valuable possession of a hotel guest is not his wallet or gold jewellery or laptops and iPads but his identity. If this is not guarded, all his valuables are at risk. Hotels are often targets for identity and financial theft for several reasons. They transact business through credit cards, whose information can be target for hackers.

According to Identity Theft Resource Centre, a United States non-profit organization founded to support victims of identity theft, “The ability to connect to the Internet is an integral part of many individuals’ daily life. This has led to the increased demand for public WiFi. An unsecured wireless network, available in most hotels, is just as dangerous as leaving files of your most important personal documents on a street curb for all to see. Hackers can easily get into an unsecured wireless network and get financial information, business records or sensitive e-mails.”

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January - February 2019 من Hotel Business Review.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January - February 2019 من Hotel Business Review.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HOTEL BUSINESS REVIEW مشاهدة الكل
"Leadership is not a License to do Less, it is a Responsibility to do More"
Hotel Business Review

"Leadership is not a License to do Less, it is a Responsibility to do More"

Amit Kumar Sharma is a seasoned hotelier with a career spanning 23 years. A graduate from IHM Lucknow, he began his career with Grand Hyatt, Delhi as a pre-opening team member from where he developed deep interest into the fast-paced career of Food & Beverage operations & management.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
Small Luxury Hotels Partner with The MRS Group Of Hotels
Hotel Business Review

Small Luxury Hotels Partner with The MRS Group Of Hotels

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) announced its expansion into the Indian subcontinent through a strategic partnership with The MRS Group of Hotels.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Housekeeping in Hotel Public Spaces
Hotel Business Review

Housekeeping in Hotel Public Spaces

The work of the housekeeping department of any hotel or motel is the most unseen, but the most needed in many ways.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
Training & Retaining Workforce for Hotel's Success
Hotel Business Review

Training & Retaining Workforce for Hotel's Success

Success of a hotel depends on the manpower. Staff, from the receptionist, who is the first step of the guest towards his hospitality during the stay, to the attendant who handles his luggage during his departure, help in the guest being attracted by the property and compelling him to stay at the same hotel on his future trips to the destination. The employees, it may be said, are the backbone or the mainstay for a hotel's success.

time-read
10+ mins  |
July - August 2024
Weddings: Increasing Hotel Revenue
Hotel Business Review

Weddings: Increasing Hotel Revenue

The trend of wedding ceremonies and receptions being conducted in hotels has been increasing over the years. The eat, drink and be married” now has a tag attached to it, which is in hotels”. The result is that not only destination weddings but wedding, in general, are contributing to the hotel’s revenue in a great measure. The saying Marriages are made in heaven” now has an attached segment But expenses are borne onearth”. Hotels and resorts have been proving an attractive venue as compared to the other sites, like halls, for people of all categories. Ashok Malkani takes a look at the facilities and other plus points offered by hotels.

time-read
10+ mins  |
July - August 2024
Heritage Hotels Heirlooms of Indian Tourism
Hotel Business Review

Heritage Hotels Heirlooms of Indian Tourism

A trip to the past in the modern world has a timeless appeal for travellers who are keen to immerse themselves in the cultural history of the destination by staying at a historic hotel itself.

time-read
10+ mins  |
July - August 2024
A Tranquil Paradise! Radisson Hotel Jass Khajuraho
Hotel Business Review

A Tranquil Paradise! Radisson Hotel Jass Khajuraho

Sprawling in six acres in the midst of the vast open countryside with gentle undulating landscape and clean, fresh unpolluted air, Radisson Hotel Jass Khajuraho is a perfect union of classic design with subtle elegance.

time-read
3 mins  |
March-April 2024
Abrogating Attrition
Hotel Business Review

Abrogating Attrition

One constant problem that has been incessantly proving a bothersome malady for the hospitality industry is the shortage and retention of skilled manpower, as this makes or mars the future of the property. Possessing innovative and problem-solving capabilities the workforce can add to the success of the hotel. Skills like patience, multitasking, positivity are a few of abilities which attribute to the success of the hotel as it helps in the hotel being able to provide excellent customer service in all circumstances. But shortage of skilled manpower has been a constant problem of the industry. Ashok Malkani delves on several aspects of the shortage and retention of employees.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March-April 2024
Women as Impactful Leaders in Hospitality!
Hotel Business Review

Women as Impactful Leaders in Hospitality!

The dynamic hospitality industry stands as a shining example of gender equality as more and more women are leading from the front in key positions.

time-read
6 mins  |
March-April 2024
Does hospitality industry have...Gender Equity?
Hotel Business Review

Does hospitality industry have...Gender Equity?

Hospitality industry has been considered as one of the forerunners in growth in India's service sector. Though the hotel industry is an appealing one, with diverse workforce, women have, historically, been underrepresented.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March-April 2024