The Marriott Data Breach

The Marriott data breach was a significant cybersecurity incident that occurred in 2018. It resulted in the Marriott litigation case.

Here’s a summary of what happened, for the Marriott breach case Court opinion, read here.

The Marriott data breach was a significant cybersecurity incident that occurred in 2018. Here’s a summary:

What Happened:

• Hackers gained unauthorized access to the Starwood guest reservation database between 2014 and 2018.
• This compromised the personal information of approximately 500 million guests worldwide.
• Data exposed included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, and in some cases, credit card information.
• Root Causes:
• Insufficient Security Measures: Starwood’s network security prior to the acquisition by Marriott was deemed inadequate.
• Delayed Detection: The breach went undetected for several years, allowing the attackers to remain active within the system.
• Inadequate Integration: After the Marriott-Starwood merger, the integration of security systems and protocols may not have been seamless or sufficiently robust.
• Technical Details:
• The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in Starwood’s guest reservation system.
• The breach involved the theft of sensitive data stored in the company’s databases.
• Court Proceedings:
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Marriott, alleging that the company failed to adequately protect customer data.
• In 2024, Marriott agreed to a settlement with the FTC, which included a significant fine and requirements to improve its data security practices.
  Key Takeaways:
• This breach highlights the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures, especially for companies that handle large amounts of sensitive customer data.
• Mergers and acquisitions can create significant cybersecurity challenges if not properly addressed.
• Organizations must prioritize proactive security measures, including regular security assessments, employee training, and incident response plans.
  Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice.
  Note: This summary provides a general overview of the Marriott data breach. For more detailed information, refer to official sources such as the FTC website and news reports from reputable news outlets.