Given the vast amount of sensitive data they manage, hoteliers must continuously assess their cybersecurity defenses. Penetration testing (pen testing) is a highly effective method for this, simulating real-world attacks to uncover hidden vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. 

In this week’s edition of the VENZA Echo, we delve into the six most common vulnerabilities uncovered through pen tests on the hotel environment and provide actionable steps to address them. 

1. Unpatched Software and Systems 

One of the most frequently encountered vulnerabilities exposed by penetration testing is outdated software and unpatched systems. During these assessments, it’s common to discover that critical patches have not been applied, leaving systems wide open to attacks.  

Cybercriminals actively search for these unpatched vulnerabilities, as they provide easy access points to infiltrate networks. Once inside, attackers can gain control over systems, steal sensitive information, install malware, or even hold data hostage.  

Mitigation: Establish a regular patch management schedule to ensure all software and systems are up to date. Use automated tools to identify and apply necessary patches promptly. Regularly audit systems to check for any missed updates and ensure that all patches are correctly applied. 

2. Weak Password Policies 

It’s no secret that weak or poorly managed passwords are a significant vulnerability in any cybersecurity framework. During pen tests, it is common to find default passwords, easily guessable passwords, or an absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA)—all of which can be readily exploited by cybercriminals with minimal effort.  

Most routers and internet-connected devices come with manufacturer-set default passwords that are easily found online, leaving the door wide open for intruders if left unchanged. Likewise, simple and guessable passwords like “123456,” “password,” or variations on the company name offer minimal security, as attackers can crack them within seconds using automated tools. 

The absence of MFA further exacerbates the problem. MFA provides an essential layer of security, requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as a code sent to their phone. This ensures that even if an attacker successfully obtains a password, they cannot infiltrate the system without completing the additional verification step. 

Mitigation: Implementing a strong password policy organisationally is critical to safeguarding data. This would mandate the use of complex, unique passwords that are regularly updated on all software and applications. Enforce the use of MFA to add that necessary extra layer of security, ensuring that even if a password is compromised, the account is not.   

3. Inadequate Network Segmentation 

Another common and potentially devastating vulnerability uncovered through pen testing is improperly segmented networks. 

Network segmentation enhances security by dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments, each with its own set of security controls. Just like a guest keycard only grants access to specific hotel areas, network segmentation ensures that not everyone on the network can access all parts of it. This protects sensitive information and limits the impact of a potential breach. 

Without appropriate segmentation, an attacker can gain access to one part of the network and then move laterally, compromising other connected segments. For example, if the guest Wi-Fi network isn’t isolated from internal networks, attackers may breach it and then access critical systems like the hotel’s reservation system, financial databases, and personal data of guests and employees 

Mitigation: Hotels must implement proper network segmentation. This involves creating isolated segments for different functions and user groups within the hotel. Guest Wi-Fi, administrative operations, and payment processing systems should each have their own defined segmentation.  Each segment should have its own security controls and access policies, ensuring that even if one segment is breached, the others remain secure. 

Additionally, implementing VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) can help segregate network traffic and enforce strict access controls. VLANs work by grouping devices on a network into distinct segments, regardless of their physical location. This allows for better management of network traffic, as each VLAN can have its own security policies and access rules. 

4. Unsecured IoT Devices 

As hotels adopt more and more smart technologies, pen tests are increasingly finding these IoT devices lack secure configurations, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. 

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to devices that connect to the Internet and communicate with each other, such as smart thermostats, lighting, and security cameras. They can collect and share data, allowing them to be controlled remotely or operate automatically.  

Unsecured IoT devices can and have served as entry points for attackers, allowing them to infiltrate a hotel’s network. Once inside, cybercriminals can move laterally to access more sensitive systems and data, meaning that a breach in one device could potentially compromise the entire network. 

Additionally, many IoT devices retain default settings and passwords which often go unchanged. This oversight, along with the failure to regularly update their firmware, enhances their inherent risks. 

Mitigation: Secure IoT devices by changing their default settings and passwords immediately upon installation. Set up a schedule to check and update smart devices’ firmware.  

Additionally, connect IoT devices to isolated networks that are separate from critical. This ensures a compromised IoT device cannot be used as a gateway to the sensitive areas of your network. 

5. Inadequate Data Encryption 

Pen tests often reveal that sensitive data, such as credit card data, is not adequately encrypted during processes and storage. Left unencrypted, sensitive data can be easily located and read.  

Encryption is a crucial security measure that transforms readable data into a coded format, making it unintelligible to anyone who doesn’t have the decryption key. When data is not encrypted in transit—meaning as it travels across networks—it becomes vulnerable to interception through techniques like man-in-the-middle attacks. This can happen, for instance, when guests enter their credit card details over an unsecured Wi-Fi network. 

Similarly, when data is not encrypted at rest—meaning when it is stored on servers or databases—it is exposed to risk if the storage system is compromised. Cybercriminals who gain access to unencrypted data can easily extract sensitive information.  
 
Mitigation: Robust encryption protocols must be implemented for all sensitive data. Data should be encrypted during transmission using secure methods such as HTTPS, SSL/TLS, and VPNs to ensure it cannot be easily intercepted. Likewise, data at rest should be protected using strong encryption standards. Access to decryption keys should be tightly controlled. 

Regular audits and updates to encryption practices are also necessary to adapt to evolving threats, aligning with the latest standards and technologies. 

6. Misconfigured Firewalls and Security Settings 

Firewalls are often discovered to have lax security settings during pen tests. Such misconfigurations can create significant security gaps, enabling attackers to bypass defenses and gain access to internal networks. 

Firewalls act as the first line of defense by monitoring and controlling network traffic based on a set of security rules. However, if these rules are not properly configured or updated, firewalls can fail to provide the necessary protection. For example, open ports, permissive access controls, or outdated firewall firmware can all be exploited by cybercriminals. 

Pen testers often find firewalls have been left with their default configurations, which are generally not sufficient for protecting sensitive data and critical systems. In some cases, specific firewall rules might inadvertently allow unauthorized traffic. On top of this, inadequate logging and monitoring settings can result in delayed detection and response. 

Mitigation: First and foremost, ensure firewalls are properly configured and maintained. Specifically, this includes:  

*Restricting Access: Implementing the principle of least privilege, where only necessary services and users have access to certain parts of the network. 

*Closing Unnecessary Ports: Identifying and closing any open ports that are not required for business operations. 

*Regular Updates: Ensuring that firmware and security patches are kept up to date. 

*Comprehensive Monitoring: Regularly monitoring and reporting to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly. 

Conclusion 

Penetration testing is an essential practice for uncovering and addressing vulnerabilities in hotel systems. By proactively identifying these weaknesses and implementing the recommended mitigation strategies, hoteliers can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect their guests’ data.  

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. As leading experts in hospitality data protection, VENZA provides cutting-edge pen testing services to identify, test, and map potential risks. With our industry knowledge and expertise, we offer hoteliers an unparalleled pen testing experience. 

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

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