Hotel chain Hyatt finds malware in its payment systems

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By Larry Banks

Hotel chain Hyatt announced yesterday that malware has been found in its payment processing systems.

The company said it launched an investigation into the issue with leading third-party cyber security experts as soon as the malicious activity was discovered.

The international chain has not however revealed which locations and how many customers have been affected, but has advised its customers to check their card account statements for unauthorised charges. The investigation is apparently ongoing, and updates will be posted on their website as it progresses.

Other hotels have also succumbed to cyber-attacks this year: Hilton and Starwood were also hacked in 2015, and of course it’s likely that other hotels will also fall prey to such attacks in future.

Part of the statement issued on the company’s website is included below:

Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced that it recently identified malware on computers that operate the payment processing systems for Hyatt-managed locations. As soon as Hyatt discovered the activity, the company launched an investigation and engaged leading third-party cyber security experts.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be posted to www.hyatt.com/protectingourcustomers. Hyatt has taken steps to strengthen the security of its systems, and customers can feel confident using payment cards at Hyatt hotels worldwide.

As always, customers should review their payment card account statements closely and report any unauthorized charges to their card issuer immediately. Payment card rules generally provide that cardholders are not responsible for unauthorized charges that are timely reported.

SOURCE: Hyatt.

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