Chris Lennon, product manager at Lolly discusses the power of Multi-Factor Authentication
Hospitality’s digital transformation
We are living in a world that is becoming increasingly digitalised. In a bid to offer the highest levels of customer service, hospitality businesses are rapidly transforming with the help of technology and data. The outlook is exciting…
The cyber security eclipse
However, the progression remains constantly overshadowed by cybersecurity threats and concerns. Due to its reliance on digital systems for reservations, guest data management, and payment processing, the sector is vulnerable to this type of threat – with customer information such as personal and credit card details being kept on file.
As the data breach at The Marina Bay Sands Resort at the end of 2023 showcased, this is an industry which must fully arm itself against ransom demands and data breaches. The ‘customer-focused’ organisations of tomorrow seeking new as well as repeat custom can ill-afford to find themselves caught up in these headlines - with details of data breaches exposed for the world to see and their brand to fall down on.
Conversely, they should be seeking to lead with positive messaging around security, demonstrating the measures they have taken to protect their highly sensitive(and valuable) customer data. In a world consumed by fears over cyber security, I believe it has become vital for hospitality providers to be bold and up front in addressing these concerns. They must reassure their clients that their details are safe and secure, and cybersecurity threats remain firmly at bay.
The power of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Leading on the importance of arming themselves against cyber security threats, hospitality providers must work alongside best-in-class technology specialists, particularly when it comes to managing information security.
At Lolly, we employ stringent and proactive measures, implementing robust cybersecurity practices, to ensure are fully mitigating the risks posed by possible cyber-attacks.
We have also further increased security to help protect against online threats - with the introduction of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Lolly HQ – our business analytics and reporting software. We want to ensure that the security of our clients’ accounts is significantly strengthened; in turn helping them to reassure their own customers.
Why Multi-Factor Authentication?
Going forward when using Lolly HQ, as well as being asked for their username and password, clients will occasionally be asked to validate their log-in with a code. To get this code, they simply register their account with an authenticator app, such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator, either on their smartphone or other device.
Once the client links an additional layer of authentication to their account, initially, they will only receive MFA prompts when logging into their Lolly HQ account via a new device that the account does not recognise. Conversely, it is not uncommon to occasionally receive MFA prompts when logging into Lolly HQ via a recognised device. These security measures provide further reassurance for clients, knowing that their account data is fully protected.
Where next?
Our Information Security ISO27001 Management Certification demonstrates that Lolly provides a robust approach for managing customer and employee details, intellectual property, financial information, and third-party data.
We will continue to employ these proactive measures, to keep improving and demonstrating to our clients and their customers that we take their security seriously. We ALL need to fully arm ourselves, but if we work together then we can remain ‘cyber safe’.
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