As Summer Closes In, the Travel Sector Is Unprepared

Ransomware, data breaches, and cyberattacks pose the greatest risk to travel agency success, with 68% identifying them as a major threat. Recession and reduced customer spending and inflation also threaten performance. Cybersecurity concerns are reinforced by recent experience, with 92% of agencies facing some form of cyber threat in the last 12 months and 66% reporting sensitive customer data compromise. Common incidents include phishing, fraudulent credit card activity, fake domains or social media accounts, ransomware, and false booking links. Cyber risk reflects structural weaknesses: 44% manage cybersecurity alone, 26% report unqualified responsibility, 40% report exposed or misused credentials, 28% report password sharing, 36% use outdated technology, and 12% cannot keep up with updates. Only 20% plan an incident response plan within 12 months, and increased summer travel may raise attacker activity. Compromised data can include contact details, personal identifiers, credit card numbers, and passport information.

"This gap results in a breakdown of fundamental cyber hygiene and protection. 40% report their credentials may have been misused or exposed, with 28% saying employees share passwords across several systems. 36% admit to having outdated cybersecurity technology, and 12% cannot keep up with software updates and patches. Yet, only 20% plan to establish an incident response plan within the next 12 months."

Read at Securitymagazine