Breach, Compliance Management, Data Security, Privacy, Security Strategy, Plan, Budget

Kimpton Hotels investigates potential payment card breach

Boutique hotel chain, Kimpton Hotels is investigating a potential payment card breach at several of its locations across the U.S.

The hotel chain said it had been made aware of unauthorized charges occurring on cards that were previously used legitimately at Kimpton properties, according to a July 26 press release.  

Upon learning of the incident, Kimpton launched an investigation and engaged a security firm to provide support. It is unclear if point-of-sale malware was used or the the source and the extent of the incident.

“The company's statement on the potential compromise echoes the pronouncements of so many of its brethren that have suffered similar breaches--we take payment card data protection ‘very seriously,'” Adam Levin, chairman and founder of IDT911, told SCMagazine.com via emailed comments.

He went on to say that there is nothing “fives-star” about the way most hotels approach data security and that this the incident is a wake-up call for an industry that should be more attentive after several high-profile breaches.  

“Deploying end-to-end encryption, adding layered security, aggressively and thoroughly training employees and constantly monitoring and testing payment systems will help keep organizations, especially those in the hospitality industry, one step ahead of cybercriminals,” Levin said.  

Over the last year, Trump Hotels, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, and Hotel Beacon have all experienced point of sale breaches. 

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