Motel One Group Hit With a Data Breach
Hotel Group Says Impact Was 'Minimized'
Overt Operator
October 03, 2023
Munich-based budget hotel chain Motel One Group has confirmed that it experienced a data breach in a recent ransomware attack. The company stated that some customer information and credit card data were stolen by hackers who gained unauthorized access to its internal systems.
Motel One Group, however, claims that the impact of the attack was minimized, and the business operations of one of Europe's largest hotel groups were never at risk.
Upon discovering the breach, Motel One Group promptly engaged a certified IT security service provider and notified the relevant authorities to initiate an investigation into the incident. The hotel chain has also taken measures to inform the affected customers personally, particularly those whose credit card details were compromised.
While Motel One Group did not explicitly name the hackers responsible for the attack, the AlphV/Black Cat ransomware gang has claimed responsibility for the breach. On their leaked site, the attackers asserted that they had exfiltrated approximately 6TB of data from the company, which includes booking details spanning the past three years, customer contact information, credit card data, and internal documents.
In a bid to extort money from Motel One Group, the ransomware gang has threatened to release the stolen data unless the hotel chain engages in negotiations and pays a ransom. Motel One Group has not disclosed whether it intends to comply with these demands.
Headquartered in Munich, Motel One Group operates 90 hotels across 13 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. The company's swift response to the breach and cooperation with authorities demonstrate its commitment to mitigating the impact of the attack and safeguarding customer data.
As investigations into the incident continue, Motel One Group is expected to release an official statement addressing the claims made by the AlphV/Black Cat ransomware gang. The breach serves as a reminder of the growing threat of ransomware attacks targeting organizations across various industries. It highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive incident response strategies to protect sensitive customer information from falling into the wrong hands.
Motel One Group's confirmation of a data breach resulting from a ransomware attack underscores the need for heightened cybersecurity vigilance. As technology advances, businesses must remain diligent in implementing effective security measures to safeguard customer data and protect their reputation.