According to Marriott’s press release, Starwood’s guest reservation database was hacked. On September 8, 2018, Marriott International received an internal alert about an unauthorized user attempting to access the Starwood guest reservation database. Since then, investigators found copied and encrypted information from an authorized user. However, they also found that there had been unauthorized user access to the Starwood network since 2014.
Since decrypting the copied information, Marriott has disclosed that as many as 500 million guests’ personal information including contact information, addresses, passport numbers and credit card information, could have been compromised. Though Marriott says they keep their guests’ credit card information encrypted, they cannot assure guests that hackers were unable to decrypt their information.
Guests who had reservations at Starwood or its properties on or before September 10, 2018 could be affected. Starwood’s properties include brands such as Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels.
How to Safeguard Your Data
According to Marriott, they will be sending e-mails to notify affected guests whose e-mail addresses were in their database. In addition, they have set up a website and call center for concerned guests. Marriott is recommending that guests change their passwords and keep an eye on their Starwood guest account.
In addition, if you are worried that you could have been affected by Starwood’s data breach, it could be beneficial to contact your credit card company and bank. Identity theft is a major safety concern after this breach, so any precautions you can take against suspicious activity is recommended. You can also check into receiving free credit freezes with the three credit bureaus.
The Miami class action attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson have experience handling cases against negligent corporations. You should expect that large corporations will keep your personal information secure. When they fail, you have legal rights. Contact us today at 305-476-7400 or fill out our online case review form for a free consultation to discuss your situation.