by | November 24, 2011 · 6:47 am

Hospitality Industry Information Security: Hotel Chain Computer System Hacked By Man Who Threatened To Reveal Confidential Information If He Was Not Hired For IT Position

“…an infected email attachment (was) sent to some Marriott employees to install malicious software on the company’s system that gave him a “backdoor” access to proprietary email and other files…”

“…Nemeth sent an email to Marriott staff on November 11 last year, informing them that he had been accessing Marriott’s computers for months and had obtained proprietary information… He threatened to reveal the information if Marriott did not give him a job maintaining the company’s computers…”

A Hungarian citizen has pleaded guilty to stealing confidential information from the computers of Marriott International, and threatening to reveal the information if the hotel chain did not offer him a job maintaining the company’s computers, the Department of Justice said.

Attila Nemeth, 26, pleaded guilty in a US court, according to a statement by DOJ. He was detained after he travelled to the states on a ticket purchased by Marriott for a fictitious job interview.

As he had not received a response from Marriott, Nemeth sent another mail on November 13 containing eight attachments, seven of which were documents stored on Marriott’s computers. The documents included financial documentation and other confidential and proprietary information, the DOJ said.

A US Secret Service agent, using the identity of a fictitious employee of Marriott, communicated with Nemeth on November 18, who continued to call and email the undercover agent demanding a job to prevent the public release of the documents, according to the plea agreement. Nemeth emailed a copy of his Hungarian passport as identification and offered to travel to America, according to the DOJ.

For more:  http://news.techworld.com/security/3320672/marriott-hotel-chain-hacked-by-disgruntled-job-seeker/

(Visited 456 times, 1 visits today)

Comments Off on Hospitality Industry Information Security: Hotel Chain Computer System Hacked By Man Who Threatened To Reveal Confidential Information If He Was Not Hired For IT Position

Filed under Crime, Labor Issues, Liability, Maintenance, Management And Ownership, Privacy, Risk Management, Technology, Theft

Tagged as , , , , ,

by | November 23, 2011 · 6:15 am

Hospitality Industry Employee Risks: 61-Year Old California Hotel Housekeeper Arrested For Theft While Cleaning Guest Rooms

“…while she was cleaning she was seen taking a woman’s watch and hide it in the room… she was seen entering the room again and retrieve the watch, conceal it upon her person, and leave the room. It was then the trap was sprung and she was detained by security, who also took the watch back from her…”

“…officers arrested this 61-year-old cleaner from Los Angeles, and she was charged with burglary. Her bail was set at $50,000…”

On Friday, Nov. 11, at 12:55 p.m. officers of the Santa Monica Police Department went to the Fairmont Hotel, located at 101 Wilshire Boulevard, in order to investigate a report of a suspect who was being held at the hotel by their security chief in regard to some allegations of theft. When the officers arrived at the scene they spoke with the Director of Security who told them the detainee was an employee of the hotel.

He said there had been a number of thefts from the hotel rooms reported, and that the person, who was a cleaner at the Fairmont, had become the prime suspect. On the day prior to the officers being called the hotel, security had prepared a room with several items in order to make the room appear occupied by a guest. They had then placed a hidden camera inside the room.

For more:  http://www.smmirror.com/#mode=single&view=33538

(Visited 34 times, 1 visits today)

Comments Off on Hospitality Industry Employee Risks: 61-Year Old California Hotel Housekeeper Arrested For Theft While Cleaning Guest Rooms

Filed under Crime, Guest Issues, Labor Issues, Liability, Management And Ownership, Risk Management, Theft

Tagged as , , , ,

by | November 22, 2011 · 6:52 am

Hospitality Industry Employee Risks: South Carolina Hotel Maintenance Worker Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges For "Grabbing And Touching" Housekeeper "Inappropriately"

“…The victim…had been cleaning a room when one of the maintenance workers.. entered the room to help her flip a mattress…he walked up to her and began grabbing her breasts and touching her inappropriately…”
 
“…Dooley left but then allegedly returned 10 to 15 minutes later and reportedly exposed his genitals to the victim, touching himself…”

A Myrtle Beach man is behind bars after allegedly grabbing a co-worker inappropriately and causing her to be fearful of her safety a couple of weeks ago.

According to a police report, Myrtle Beach Police responded to a hotel in the 2700 block of N. Ocean Highway Saturday afternoon in reference to an assault that had taken place on Nov. 9.
 
She said she pushed Dooley off of her and told him to stop, and said they would both be fired if anyone saw his behavior. The victim also told police she told him not to touch her like that and told him to leave the room.
 
Dooley left but then allegedly returned 10 to 15 minutes later and reportedly exposed his genitals to the victim, touching himself.
The victim told police Dooley said things like “I am hanging to be a white boy” and “I love black Oreos” to her and she became afraid of him, scared he was going to attack her.
 
She then went to the head of housekeeping to tell her about what happened and the incident was reported to the hotel’s general manager. According to the victim, Dooley was then suspended from work.
Sunday, officers arrested Dooley and charged him with assault and battery in the second degree as well as indecent exposure.

 
(Visited 95 times, 1 visits today)

Comments Off on Hospitality Industry Employee Risks: South Carolina Hotel Maintenance Worker Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges For "Grabbing And Touching" Housekeeper "Inappropriately"

Filed under Crime, Labor Issues, Liability, Management And Ownership, Training

Tagged as , , , ,

by | November 21, 2011 · 7:22 am

Hospitality Industry Guest Health Risks: Expert Panel Discusses Issues Regarding "Bed Bug" Infestations And Treatment (Video)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZtO2Zq-I5Q]

This live panel discussion from the Bed Bug Business Plan event identifies the most critical bed bug issues in the hospitality, commercial real estate and multifamily property management industries.

Expert representatives include Kevin Maher of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), Patricia M. Areno of Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), and Scot Haislip of the National Apartment Association (NAA).

(Visited 29 times, 1 visits today)

Comments Off on Hospitality Industry Guest Health Risks: Expert Panel Discusses Issues Regarding "Bed Bug" Infestations And Treatment (Video)

Filed under Conferences, Guest Issues, Health, Liability, Maintenance, Management And Ownership, Risk Management, Training

Tagged as , , ,

by | November 20, 2011 · 6:52 am

Hospitality Industry Employee Risks: Former Housekeepers File Complaint With EEOC Against California Hotel Claiming They Were Fired After "Complaining About Photos Posted On Bulletin Board"

“…not seeking monetary damages, but that they just want their jobs back with back pay. But, if necessary,..they would file a lawsuit against the hotel…”

The Reyes sisters claim someone posted photos of their faces atop bikini-clad cartoon images on a bulletin board in a hallway in the housekeeping department that is accessible only to employees.

Two former Santa Clara Hyatt Regency workers filed a complaint against the hotel with a federal employment agency Friday claiming that management fired them after they objected to photos of their faces pasted atop bikini-clad cartoon images on a company bulletin board.

The workers, Lorena Reyes, 50, of San Jose, and Martha Reyes, 48, of Milpitas, filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the Santa Clara Hyatt Regency where the sisters worked in the housekeeping department for six years until they were fired in mid-October.

The complaint follows a discord that sparked between the sisters and Hyatt management during “Housekeeping Appreciation Week” in September during which Lorena Reyes, who has worked for the Hyatt for 24 years, and Martha Reyes, who has six years experience at the company, were both being honored.

 For more:  http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/134174328.html

(Visited 136 times, 1 visits today)

2 Comments

Filed under Labor Issues, Liability, Management And Ownership, Risk Management, Training

Tagged as , , , ,

by | November 19, 2011 · 6:22 am

Hospitality Industry Employee Risks: Police Arrest New York Restaurant Waiters Who Were "Equipped With Electronic Skimmers" To Steal Credit Card Information

“… the crooks equipped waiters at Smith & Wollensky, The Capital Grille, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and JoJo — and at two restaurants outside the city — with electronic skimmers to steal the info from at least 50 customers…”

Waiters at some of New York’s swankiest eateries were part of a criminal crew that stole credit card information to create counterfeit cards — and then racked up some $600,000 in purchases, prosecutors revealed Friday.

Then Jacas used a “network of shoppers” to go on shopping sprees at high-end Manhattan stores like Chanel, Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Hermes of Paris, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Waldmann’s, London Jewelers, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Lord & Taylor, prosecutors said.

One of them was Gregory Portacio, who infamously dragged a Queens mom to her death in 1980 by grabbing her neck chain and hanging on while an accomplice drove their getaway car down a block.

“Anybody who thinks credit card fraud brings out high class criminals should think again,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, whose men were still searching for the 51-year-old career criminal and sex offender.

The crooks even used the phony American Express cards to refuel at Starbucks and also hit stores in Westchester County, Long Island, Boston, Chicago and Florida.

The ill-gotten goods were then fenced to “complicit customers” for cash, prosecutors said.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/smith-wollensky-steakhouse-waiters-busted-600-000-credit-card-scam-article-1.979766#ixzz1eA1lm2Y2

(Visited 54 times, 1 visits today)

Comments Off on Hospitality Industry Employee Risks: Police Arrest New York Restaurant Waiters Who Were "Equipped With Electronic Skimmers" To Steal Credit Card Information

Filed under Crime, Guest Issues, Labor Issues, Liability, Management And Ownership, Privacy, Risk Management, Theft

Tagged as , , , ,

by | November 18, 2011 · 6:37 am

Hospitality Industry Guest Safety: Hotel Management Must Have "Guest Privacy" Policies To Protect Names And Room Locations

“…Privacy is key when it comes to safety in a hotel, most importantly at check-in…”

“If the person giving you your key says your name out loud or your room number, you want to be sure to get another key and another room, because anyone lingering in the lobby could overhear that.”

  • Female travelers should “never put down your name. Just put down your initials and never indicate you’re just one person.”

Greg O’Neill, who heads up security at Boston’s Mandarin Oriental, says security measures generally work, when guests use them:

  • … take advantage the in-room safe. You’ll find this in most every hotel
  • …take advantage of the peephole in the door, and be aware of the nearest exit

Here’s another tip: check crime statistics for particular neighborhoods before making a hotel reservation. Most police web sites will have those details.

Security experts also suggest taking your room key out of the little envelope they give you at check-in, because it usually has your room number on it.

For more:  http://www.14news.com/story/16068750/experts-providing-hotel-safety-tips-around-the-holidays

(Visited 486 times, 1 visits today)

2 Comments

Filed under Crime, Guest Issues, Labor Issues, Liability, Management And Ownership, Privacy, Risk Management, Training

Tagged as , , , ,

by | November 17, 2011 · 3:37 am

Hospitality Industry Internet Risks: Recent Studies Show Dramatic Increases "Mobile Space Cybercrime" As Criminals Focus On Smartphones And Tablets

“…The usage of Internet through mobile phone had been on a rapid upward trend. This led to 42 per cent more mobile vulnerabilities last year compared to the year before, as shown in a Symantec Internet Security Threat Report…”

“…cybercriminals were starting to focus their efforts on the mobile space as more and more mobile users switched to smartphones and tablets instead of the conventional desktops…”

A recent worldwide study conducted by Norton by Symantec aimed at unveiling the cost of global crime, has concluded that online adults footed a bill of over US$388 billion in the past year.

According to Symantec Corporation Sdn Bhd consumer sales manager Jason Mok, the price tag came to be as the study took into account not only the direct cash cost of cybercrime – that being the money stolen by cybercrime and money spent on resolving cyber-attacks – which was up to US$114 billion, but also the amount which victims of cybercrime valued the time they lost to cybercrime, which was US$274 billion.

“The Norton Cybercrime Report 2011 found that more than two thirds of online adults have been a victim of cybercrime in their lifetime. Every second, 14 adults become a victim of cybercrime, resulting in more than one million cybercrime victims per day,” stated Mok, who also pointed out that the rate was higher than the worldwide birth rate.

Mok marked this as a sign that cybercriminals were starting to focus their efforts on the mobile space as more and more mobile users switched to smartphones and tablets instead of the conventional desktops.

“This had led to an increasing importance of mobile security, as you are not only losing your phone or tablet, you are losing your personal information, identity as well as your money,” Mok informed the crowd during a media briefing held at a hotel here yesterday.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/11/16/norton-by-symantec-study-reveals-alarming-rate-of-cybercrime-caused-by-under-protection/#ixzz1dvTlh9u3

(Visited 35 times, 1 visits today)

Comments Off on Hospitality Industry Internet Risks: Recent Studies Show Dramatic Increases "Mobile Space Cybercrime" As Criminals Focus On Smartphones And Tablets

Filed under Crime, Guest Issues, Insurance, Liability, Management And Ownership, Risk Management, Technology, Theft

Tagged as , , , , ,

by | November 16, 2011 · 6:48 am

Hospitality Industry Fire Risks: Texas Hotel Damaged By Fire During Renovation From "Welding Equipment Electrical Short"

 “…the fire started in the attic and that it was electrical, possibly caused by a welding equipment shortage…”

“…The quick work of firefighters and hotel staff made sure all were evacuated without a single injury…”

People on the street in Fort Stockton told NewsWest 9 the Best Western Hotel fire forced them to evacuate just after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, but when we arrived after 6 p.m. Tuesday night, orange and blue flames were still engulfing parts of the hotel and those parts were crumbling.

“I’m just saddened by all of it, for the guests, for myself, for the employees, because that’s their livelihood, that’s our life that’s gone,” Best Western General Manager, Patricia Fitzpatrick, said. These fiery, crumbling Best Western walls are a devastating sight for Fitzpatrick.

Her possessions and her work were going up in flames. “Our main concern was: ‘Yes, it’s fire. Call the fire department,'” she said. “But to get our guests out and make sure that they’re safe.”

Then, chaos ensued. She and her employees, including worker Curtis Hoard, sprang into action. “Then we ran around and just started pounding windows and doors, yelling and screaming as loud as we can to get people out of there,” Hoard said. “Before we knew it, it was smoked and that was it.”

Hoard had been helping renovate the hotel for the last three months.

For more:  http://www.newswest9.com/story/16050676/flames-engulf-fort-stockton-hotel

(Visited 80 times, 1 visits today)

2 Comments

Filed under Fire, Guest Issues, Injuries, Insurance, Liability, Maintenance, Management And Ownership, Risk Management, Training

Tagged as , , , ,

by | November 15, 2011 · 6:32 am

Hospitality Industry Theft Risks: Suspect In California Hotel Guest Room Burglaries Arrested After Successful Surveillances; Entered Rooms Through Patio Sliding Door

After the string of burglaries, the Palms Springs Police Department started conducting surveillances outside the hotel, and it was during one of those surveillances that they found the suspect.

The general manager of the Desert Riviera says to look for a hotel where staff seems involved and aware.

Police saw Christopher Thompson climbing into the outside patio area of a hotel room. He got into the room through a sliding glass door. Tourists we talked with were surprised to hear about the crime, but always take steps to keep their belongings safe when they travel.

Block says there are also some simple steps you can take to make sure you don’t become a victim of a crime when you travel.

  1. Lock not just the front door but the back sliding glass door as well
  2. Take valuables with you
  3. Choose a hotel where the parking area looks lit and safe
  4. Always lock your car
  5. Spend time researching the hotel

For more:  http://www.kesq.com/news/29769831/detail.html

(Visited 95 times, 1 visits today)

Comments Off on Hospitality Industry Theft Risks: Suspect In California Hotel Guest Room Burglaries Arrested After Successful Surveillances; Entered Rooms Through Patio Sliding Door

Filed under Crime, Guest Issues, Maintenance, Management And Ownership, Privacy, Risk Management, Theft, Training

Tagged as , , , ,