April 12, 2024
In March of 2024, Omni Hotels & Resorts experienced a cyber-attack that completely shut down its IT systems. The company had to take its entire network offline to contain the issue, protect its data, and prevent further damage. Unfortunately, this stopped everyday operations, including managing reservations, unlocking hotel room doors, and running point-of-sale (POS) systems in restaurants and shops. Experts estimate the attack could cost Omni millions of dollars. While the hotel hasn't confirmed details, reports suggest it was a ransomware attack similar to the one that disrupted MGM in Las Vegas a few months prior.
While the disruptions for guests were obvious, many people overlook the broader dangers posed by cyber-attacks. For small business owners, these incidents are a wake-up call. Anytime your employees connect to an unsecured network—whether in a hotel, airport, or coffee shop—they risk exposing your company to cyber threats. Protecting your business requires proactive measures, especially when employees travel.
Safely travel with these tips to safeguard your business:
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks.
Public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, or cafes may seem convenient, but it can also be a breeding ground for hackers. If a network is compromised, connecting to it could give attackers direct access to your employees' devices and, by extension, your business data. - Disable Auto-Connect Features.
Many devices automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks they recognize. Unfortunately, hackers often set up fake networks that mimic legitimate ones. If your employees' devices auto-connect to these fake networks, sensitive business information could be at risk. Turn off auto-connect features and only connect to trusted networks manually. - Use Mobile Hotspots Instead.
Encourage employees to use their phone's mobile hotspot rather than public Wi-Fi. Most smartphones have this feature, which provides a safer connection. If it isn't enabled, a quick call to your wireless provider can often activate it.
While these tips are essential, they're not enough on their own. Your business devices also need professional-grade cybersecurity tools, such as VPNs, endpoint protection, real-time monitoring, and backup systems with near-immediate recovery options. Without these, you risk malware executing on your network from a single compromised connection.
A Lesson for All Small Business Owners
The Omni Hotels attack reminds us that no business is immune to cyber attacks or threats, regardless of size. Even large companies with significant cybersecurity budgets can fall victim to hackers. For small businesses without proper security measures, the risks are even higher. Hackers see small businesses as easy targets, making it critical to stay protected.
Take Action with our offer of a Free Security Risk Assessment
If your business doesn't have a cybersecurity system—or if you already have one but want a second opinion—we can help. Our FREE Security Risk Assessment will review every aspect of your network, identify vulnerabilities, and provide actionable solutions to secure your business.
Don't wait until it's too late. Click to schedule a Security Risk Assessment with one of our security experts, or call us directly at (630) 405-0749.