Data security. This is significant for all industries, especially the hospitality industry, which deals with millions of guests annually and a corresponding amount of data, including payment details and personal information stored on the premises.
According to the latest Data Breach Investigations Report the Verizon Risk Team released, the hospitality industry ranks right at the top of the most targeted and attacked industries. It's not a new phenomenon, either. For years, this industry has been catering to guests while staying wary of attacks from cybercriminals. The multiple number of transactions and locations worldwide has made hotels and hospitality businesses vulnerable to attacks for credit card information and details of thousands of guests.
It is also easy to see why we hotels are such easy targets. Hotels store data in different places, including front desk, emails, booking system, property management software and forms shared with third-party vendors. With so many places for access, it also proportionately increases the possibilities of thefts and intrusions.
How well-equipped is your hotel to identify breaches and take action before we hear from a customer about credit card fraud?
What measures does a hotel have in place to protect customer data since it is possible for a hacked PMS to remain vulnerable for several months following a breach?
How can the hotel staff store customer data for better customer service while ensuring it remains safe?
This is where PCI DSS comes in.
What is PCI DSS?
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is the golden standard for the safety and security of customer financial data in the digital age.
A Hotel management software that is PCI DSS compliant will have procedures in place to keep credit card information safe when you swipe or tap. For hotels, it's not just a compliance requirement; it's a shield against potential breaches and a guarantee that your guests' trust and privacy are crucial. Hotels find PCI DSS incredibly useful, showing guests that their data and payment processes are protected and maintaining guest trust. Additionally, it also avoids costly data breaches that could tarnish their reputation. In an industry built on trust, PCI DSS is the safeguard that ensures a secure and seamless guest experience and top-notch security.
The need for PCI DSS
The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) certification/compliance is critical for hotels because it ensures the security of sensitive financial information, particularly guests' payment data. In today's digital age, where cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more alarmingly advanced, maintaining PCI DSS compliance is not just a requirement – it is an obligation, and it shows that you are serious about safeguarding guest trust and your hotel's reputation.
By adhering to PCI DSS standards, hotels protect their guests' data and shield themselves from potential breaches and the associated legal and financial consequences. It is a proactive step toward maintaining data security and privacy. From tokenization to encryption and a sound IT team to ensure all best practices are implemented and monitored meticulously, a hotel PMS can help hotels protect sensitive guest data.
WINCLOUD and PCI DSS compliance
WINCLOUD is proud to announce that it is PCI DSS compliant. This means it has all the security measures to ensure maximum security of your guests' data. For WINCLOUD, PCI DSS compliance is not merely a box to check; it is an essential investment in guest trust, data security and the long-term success of all our partner hotels.
If you are considering investing in a hotel PMS that offers a high level of security, try WINCLOUD PMS, an advanced cloud-based hotel management software equipped with modules to automate various tasks, including front desk, inventory, finance & accounts, point-of-sale and more. Besides the convenience of cloud hotel software, the PCI DSS compliance certificate is a testimony to WINCLOUD's emphasis on guest data privacy and safety.
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