On September 6, 2022, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the parent company of Holiday Inn, announced that it had suffered a data breach. The breach affected IHG's booking systems and mobile apps, and it is believed that hackers may have stolen customer data, including names, addresses, and credit card numbers.
IHG has not yet confirmed the extent of the data breach, but it is believed that millions of customers may have been affected. The company has said that it is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and to protect its customers.
This is not the first time that IHG has been the victim of a data breach. In 2017, the company suffered a breach that affected over 1,200 of its franchised hotels in the United States. That breach resulted in the theft of customer data, including names, addresses, and credit card numbers.
The data breach at IHG is a reminder that no company is immune to cyberattacks. Businesses of all sizes need to take steps to protect their customer data, including implementing strong security measures and educating employees about cybersecurity risks.
What to Do If You Are a Customer of IHG
If you are a customer of IHG, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself after the data breach.
Check your credit report: The first thing you should do is check your credit report for any unauthorized activity. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Place a fraud alert: You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for someone to open a new account in your name. You can place a fraud alert by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus.
Monitor your accounts: You should also monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized activity. If you see anything suspicious, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately.
What IHG is Doing to Protect Customers
IHG has said that it is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and to protect its customers. The company has also said that it is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft protection to customers who were affected by the breach.
IHG has also taken steps to improve its security measures. The company has said that it has implemented new security measures, including two-factor authentication, to protect its customers in the future.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Data Breaches
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from data breaches.
Use strong passwords: Use strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Change your passwords regularly: Change your passwords at least every three months.
Be careful about what information you share online: Don't share your personal information, such as your Social Security number or date of birth, online unless you absolutely have to.
Use a firewall and antivirus software: A firewall and antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware and other threats.
Be careful about what emails you open: Don't open emails from senders you don't know. If you do open an email from an unknown sender, don't click on any links or attachments.
Keep your software up to date: Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from data breaches.
