The Motel One hotel chain was the victim of a hacker attack. Sensitive data of millions of guests was published on the dark web, including credit card information.
Motel One has been hacked. (Source: grand-warszawski/depositphotos.com)
- The hacker group ALPHV was able to steal six terabytes of data from Motel One.
- Sensitive information from customers and employees can be found openly on the dark web.
- Founder of the hotel chain Dieter Müller appeals to the federal government.
It was announced at the end of September that the Motel One company had been affected by a ransomware attack. With this approach, data is stolen using a cyber attack and a ransom is demanded for it. However, it is now becoming clear how big this hacker attack really was. The ALPHV group stole six terabytes of data from hotel guests and staff.
This includes the company’s business numbers and employee cell phone numbers. The data set also contains private billing addresses, birth dates of customers, 150 credit card details and accommodation lists since 2016. Motel One states that the holders of the affected credit cards have already been informed.
Help for those affected
The information has recently become freely accessible on the dark web. As those affected, you must therefore act quickly to prevent misuse of your data. Immediately change the password for the email address you used to book a hotel. If you also use the affected password for other services, which we strongly advise against, you should change it there too. Otherwise, cybercriminals can quickly gain access to your online accounts. Also be prepared for the fact that you could increasingly become a victim of phishing attacks in the future. Always turn down dubious offers via SMS, email or telephone and do not pass on any further information about yourself.
We also recommend that you check for yourself which of your data is affected. In the linked article we introduce you to some websites and applications that will help you with this. In addition, the European Society for Data Protection (EuGD) also offers you help in the Motel One case. You can check there to see what rights you are entitled to compensation for damages.
Statement from Motel One
As the Tagesschau reports, Dieter Müller, founder and co-owner of Motel One, has also commented on the incident and is primarily addressing the federal government.
I think that in addition to the companies themselves, the state is required to regain sovereignty and significantly upgrade its cyber defense.
Dieter Müller, founder of Motel One
It is still unclear how the hacker group was able to gain access despite comprehensive security standards. The company has now consulted experts from the field of information and IT security. Guests will therefore not have to worry about their data in the future.
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