Hotel hack exposes private data of 10-million guests

Posted on 20 February 2020

In a data hacking breach which took place last year, 10.6-million former hotel guests of the MGM hotel group were affected, and had their personal details exposed this week.

Image: Unsplash

The security hacking breach actually occurred in July 2019, whereafter affected guests were informed a month later, according to tech news site, ZDNet.

This week, however, a scientific researcher at a security data company found that the personal data from this hack was released on an online hacking forum, exposing former guests’ private information.

Some of the personal information includes names, phone numbers and email addresses, which the hotel apparently didn’t consider to be too sensitive. About 1,300 guests were also informed that more sensitive personal information was shared, including passport numbers, according to the BBC.

MGM’s more high-profile clientele affected by the hacking includes Justin Bieber, and Twitter founder, Jack Dorsey.

MGM Resorts International’s most noteworthy properties and hotels are in Las Vegas, New York and other parts of the USA, and it also owns resorts in China.

Wi-Fi safety and security while travelling

Everyone loves some free Wi-Fi, especially when travelling in a foreign country, but another potential threat to travellers on the go is the hacking and accessing sensitive information across public Wi-Fi networks. Global cybersecurity software company, ESET, encourages South Africans to be wary of conducting important information, such as doing online banking transactions over public Wi-Fi networks that aren’t authenticated and not secure.

Mobile banking apps tend to be safer, however, they are not impenetrable. If you need to use Wi-Fi to do online banking when travelling, make sure that your device’s software is up to date as outdated software makes it easier for hackers to steal information.

Also, connect via an authentic and secure network (not a lookalike imposter site) and use your credit rather than a debit card, as there is often credit insurance in the event of fraud.

Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, recently told eNCA that public Wi-Fi networks are ‘notoriously insecure’ and that cybercriminals can create ‘malicious hotspots’ which seem legitimate, but means criminals can steal information users send over the internet.

Exercise caution and be wary of just jumping onto any old Wi-Fi network at the airport or at your hotel.

 

 






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