In hotels, guests are a unique challenge to securing hotel systems. One of the first things a hotel guest does once they reach their hotel room is to check their Internet connection. According to studies conducted by Dr. Agnes DeFranco, CHE, CHAE, CHIA and Dr. Cristian Morosan, CHTP, CHE who are both researchers at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, over 80 percent of travelers from the United States travel with at least one mobile device — whether it be a laptop, tablet, smartphone or a combination of the three....In addition, these studies examined how guests view the security level of hotel network connectivity and what safety practices guests utilize when traveling. Overwhelmingly, the number one practice for both domestic and international travelers was to connect to the secure Wi-Fi network of their hotel and access the Internet....This research, partially supported by HFTP, examined the practices of 1,301 guests who stayed in hotels within the United States and 1,017 guests who stayed outside of the United States. The following provides a glimpse at the results of the study....Top Safety Practices for Travelers
Laptop | Tablet | Smartphone |
Connecting to the secure Wi-Fi network of the hotel to access the Internet | Connecting to the secure Wi-Fi network of the hotel to access the Internet | Using a phone carrier network to access the Internet |
Using antivirus protection | Using antivirus protection | Using antivirus protection |
Accessing regular websites | Accessing regular websites | Using email clients |
Using email clients | Using email clients | Accessing regular websites |
Leaving the computer shut down in the room | Leaving the tablet shut down OR in the room’s safe deposit box | Accessing social media websites |
Provide a reliable network connectivity service with sufficient bandwidth.
Educate consumers to engage in safe computer and access practices.
Educate guests to use protection software and encryption for their devices and data.
Persuade consumers to connect to secure networks.
Educate consumers to use secure Internet practices after they have connected to the Internet.
Create a safe mobile device environment for our guests and our hotels.
Persuade guests to secure their devices in safe deposit boxes where applicable.
Perform security checks of IT systems both periodically and non-scheduled.
Inspect for rogue sites set by hackers, neighboring businesses, or even employees.
Stay abreast of technological innovations in cyber security.