Hoteliers unite against growing danger posed by computer hackers

SHANGHAI — Chinese and international hotel and travel groups have jointly founded a platform to fight against cyber risks, the China Hotel Association said last week.

The platform, the Security Response Center of China Hospitality Industry, is sponsored by the association and the China Hospitality Technology Alliance.

Hotels under Chinese and international brands, such as Huazhu, Jinjiang, New Century, IHG, Marriott, Four Seasons and Shangri-La as well as online travel agency Ctrip, have joined.

On the platform, any potential or suspected data leaks or other cyber threats found by computer security experts would be quickly shared by member hotels, which would then be asked to assess and take action. Meanwhile, advanced solutions to prevent data leaks will be shared.

Information safety has become one of the top concerns in China’s hospitality industry, with several data leaks or suspected leaks being reported across the world in recent years.

China’s hospitality industry, both local and international operators, should team up to fight against cyber threats, said Zhang Xingguo, chief consultant for the Information Committee of the China Hotel Association.

“China’s related laws and regulations have been steadily improving, and people’s awareness of information security is constantly rising, which encourages hotels to increase their efforts in information protection,” Zhang said.