What's Happening?
Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) has identified a new wave of cyberattacks targeting hotel guests, primarily in Brazil and Spain. These attacks, orchestrated by a group known as RevengeHotels, have been active since 2015 but have recently adopted artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their methods. The attacks aim to steal guests' payment information and have expanded to include other regions such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain. RevengeHotels has evolved its tactics to incorporate AI, making its cyberattacks more sophisticated and challenging to detect. The group has been sending phishing emails to hotel staff, masquerading as reservation requests or job applications. These emails contain malware, specifically VenomRAT, which, once installed, grants attackers access to sensitive guest information, including payment data.
Why It's Important?
The use of AI in these cyberattacks underscores the growing threat to the hospitality industry and its guests. As AI enables cybercriminals to create more effective tools, even familiar schemes like phishing emails become harder to detect. This translates to increased risks of personal and financial data theft for hotel guests, even when staying at reputable hotels. The global reach of these attacks, affecting countries across Latin America and Europe, highlights the need for heightened vigilance and improved security measures. The hospitality industry must adopt robust cybersecurity practices to protect against these sophisticated threats.
What's Next?
To mitigate the risks posed by these AI-powered attacks, Kaspersky recommends treating links and attachments in emails with caution, utilizing solutions from the Kaspersky Next product line for real-time protection, and fine-tuning antispam settings. Hotel staff and guests should be wary of fake email messages that mimic notifications from online stores or banks and refrain from opening unexpected files, even if they appear official. By staying informed and vigilant, hotel guests and staff can better protect themselves against these sophisticated threats.
Beyond the Headlines
The emergence of AI-powered cyberattacks targeting hotel guests highlights the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats. As cybercriminals continue to refine their methods, both individuals and organizations in the hospitality sector must adopt robust security measures. The integration of AI into cybercriminal activities represents a significant shift in the landscape of cybersecurity, necessitating ongoing adaptation and innovation in defense strategies.
