Data Security @ BnBs, Homestays & Hotels
Wi-Fi within even small hotels and BnBs have become an expected free amenity provided to all guests. Sometimes, its not uncommon for guests seeking a connection to see two Wi-Fi networks available: the hotel’s private, internal/employee-only network, and an open network available for all hotel guests. As hotels continue their attempts at providing seamless free Wi-Fi to all guests, they must consider a critical factor: cyber security.
With all the recent news revolving around data breaches of major hotel brands, guests sometimes hesitate in accessing wifi. They need to feel confident in the safety of the available Wi-Fi networks
What many people don’t understand is just how complicated security can be behind the scenes, and how much work goes into providing a secure and seamless Wi-Fi experience from check-in until check-out. Hotels aren’t just protecting store data, they are also protecting guest devices on their networks, payment information in transit and possibly third-party vendor information. Data security standards must be maintained in order for businesses to continue to operate safely, effectively, and in compliance with any and all regulations.
By offering Wi-Fi to customers, hotels take the risk that a rogue or infected device could connect to the network and spread malware to all other devices connected. At the same time, they must also manage customers using bandwidth-intensive applications, like streaming movies or gaming, or creating potential liability issues by accessing illegal or inappropriate content while on the network. These safeguard must be in place not only for hotel guests, but for conference attendees, restaurant patrons, and others who need connectivity on-site.
Hospitality businesses also need to protect their own network and back-of-the-house operations by safeguarding point-of-sale systems, reservation systems, administration tools or databases containing payment information required to run their businesses. Tech savvy businesses utilize separate networks for guests and for staff operations in order to safeguard their own information. This allows businesses to easily enforce separate policies for guests and staff. It also provides a level of containment in the event that the business need to quarantine an identified threat. Implementing a separate, secure and reliable wireless connection is simple and the benefits are clear not only for guests, but also the business.
The hospitality industry isn’t all that different from other industries when it comes to their cybersecurity needs. Every industry needs some sort of network security in place to protect their data, devices and users. Hospitality businesses should look to deploy specific networking solutions that meet their exact needs, while also providing the business and guests with secure and speedy internet access. Providing safe and secure Wi-Fi while protecting corporate and private data doesn’t have to be hard. Find the right solution that allows you to easily manage, control and protect the network.