Social engineering is a leading cybersecurity threat for hoteliers, responsible for nearly 68% of data breaches globally this year. Unlike traditional hacking, these attacks exploit the human element, using psychological manipulation to access sensitive information or infiltrate systems.

While information security training and awareness can strengthen defenses, how can you be sure that your employees will effectively combat these threats in real life?

In this week’s edition of the VENZA Echo, we dive into the importance of social engineering penetration testing (pen testing) for hoteliers. We hope that you’ll discover how this approach helps identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, ensuring your operations are resilient against threats.

Overview

In previous VENZA Echo articles, we explored traditional approaches to pen testing and how they uncover technical vulnerabilities within networks and software systems by simulating a cyberattack.

Social engineering pen testing works the same way, replicating real-world scenarios to assess employees and operations. It involves simulated attacks to deceive employees into disclosing confidential information or granting unauthorized access, thereby exposing and mapping risks for remediation. 

Depending on the provider, pen testing can incorporate one or more social engineering techniques in their assessment. Traditionally, they evaluate and map staff risks for:

* Phishing: Testing employees’ ability to recognize phishing email scam attacks, the most prevalent method used by attackers to steal credentials or spread malware.

* Vishing and Smishing: Assessing how employees handle deceptive phone calls (vishing) and text messages (smishing) that attempt to extract sensitive information.

* Impersonation: Simulating scenarios where attackers impersonate trusted figures, such as IT support or management, to gain unauthorized access or sensitive information.

* Physical Security: Assessing the effectiveness of physical security measures to determine whether employees successfully thwart unauthorized individuals from accessing restricted areas.

* Information Sharing: Testing employees’ susceptibility to divulging sensitive information with unauthorized parties in person in communication mediums.

Importance

In 2024, social engineering attacks on hoteliers have surged dramatically. Also on the rise is the financial impact of these attacks with the average cost of a data breach now at $4.45 million per incident. This figure is expected to continue rising annually.

While comprehensive information security training and fostering a strong culture of security awareness are vital components in mitigating risks, they do not necessarily assess employees’ readiness to handle real-world threats.

Social engineering pen testing bridges this gap by evaluating an organisation’s security posture holistically, pen testing ensures that security measures are not only in place but also effective in practice. These simulations help uncover weaknesses that attackers could exploit, enabling organisations to address them through targeted improvements.

Moreover, pen testing exercises reinforce the importance of adhering to security protocols and foster a culture of vigilance among employees. Understanding the manipulative techniques attackers use empowers employees to recognize and respond effectively to suspicious activities, reducing the likelihood of a successful breach.

Additionally, many regulatory compliance frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), emphasize the importance of regular testing and evaluation of technical and organizational measures implemented to safeguard personal data. By conducting social engineering pen tests, hoteliers demonstrate proactive risk management and meet compliance requirements.

Conclusion

Social engineering pen testing is an essential tool for hoteliers to protect against the rising threat of social engineering attacks. As the cost of data breaches continues to climb, investing in social engineering pen testing is a crucial step toward safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining a strong security posture.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. As the leading experts in hospitality data protection, VENZA offers cutting-edge social engineering pen testing services. We thoroughly evaluate your hotel’s human and physical defenses, providing a comprehensive 360-degree assessment of your security posture.

Ready to get started? Contact Sales to discuss signing up for our programs or adding new solutions to your contract.

***

Take VENZA’s free Phishing Test to assess gaps in your human firewall today!

Training your personnel to recognize and report phishing attempts is essential to protecting your guests and their data. Get started by determining your risk and readiness level using this free tool.

***

Want to stay informed? Subscribe to the free VENZA Echo now. You’ll receive a monthly digest with the highlights of our weekly article series and important product updates and news from VENZA.