Hotel Hack Shows You Must Be Wary
A potential new threat to computer security has just been headed off, for now.
However, it gives a warning to be vigilant to anyone who uses their laptop on networks in hotels, conference centres and the like.
A significant vulnerability was found in a product fairly widely installed for providing internet access to guests, not least by some big-name hotels.
It was discovered by an American outfit called Cylance, who hack for a living, to test systems resilience to attack and help to eradicate any weak spots that they find.
They discovered that they could breach the defences of 277 of these systems worldwide.
Once that was done, a malicious intruder would be able to launch attacks on any guest computers and tune in to any unencrypted information passing through a hotel network.
Even worse, some of those breached systems were connected up with other hotel management facilities, such as booking and financial systems and even room access lock controls.
This would give someone who knew what they were doing a free pass to undertake fraudulent transactions, hoover up guest database records or override room locks.
Fortunately the manufacturers responded quickly and patched the systems before details emerged.
However, there is a clear warning for us all to be mindful of security risks when using our devices on public systems in general or hotel networks in particular.
Even when on a wired connection in the privacy of a hotel bedroom, there is always a tangible possibility of attack.
It is essential to have fully up to date security protection and to be wary of transmitting anything sensitive.
