Makanaka Travel Solutions

Cyber criminals are getting increasingly smarter and finding sophisticated new ways to steal customers’ data from hotel websites, front desks and sites, warns PwC. These cyber risks are influenced by the growing strategic importance of technology and increased value of intangible assets, such as guest information, created and managed on hotel technology platforms.
Over the years, hackers have been infiltrating hotel networks and have infected hotel-owned computers and guest computers with the aim of stealing personal and confidential information. PwC’s hospitality and gaming industry warns that hotels offer ample opportunity for cyberattacks in the wake of increasing credit card transactions at check-in, as well as at hotel bars, restaurants and shops. “Each charge made at a spa, gift shop, bar or restaurant during the course of a guest’s stay is another opportunity for cyber theft,” says Nikki Forster, hospitality industry leader for PwC, Southern Africa. “For business travellers, access to fast and low-cost internet is a must have, but these Wi-Fi connections are not always secure. This is a security gap that cyber criminals are making use of.”
Hotel networks have been attacked using mathematical techniques and crypto-analytical offensive capabilities. “This is usually done by hackers waiting for guests to check in and log on to the hotel Wi-Fi by usually submitting their room number and surname,” explains Veneta Eftychis, senior manager of PwC Hospitality and Gaming Industry. “Thereafter the hotel guest gets tricked into downloading and installing a so-called backdoor file, which pretends to be an update for legitimate software.”
The unsuspecting guest downloads a ‘welcome package’ only to infect his or her machine with spying software. Once on a network, the backdoor may be used further to download more advanced tools such as an advanced key logger. Downloaded software may also look for Twitter, Facebook and Google login credentials, as well as other private information.
“There are a number of safeguards that guests can put in place in order to mitigate the risks of attack,” Eftychis says. These include, amongst others, updating antivirus software before leaving home; avoiding updating software or clicking files when not on trusted networks; and using a virtual private network (VPN) to establish an encrypted communication channel when accessing public or semi-public Wi-Fi.
“The impact of a cyberattack can be far-reaching and devastating,” says Eftychis. Firstly, there is a financial impact when any type of computer security breach occurs. Costs can include forensic computer investigations to confirm the breach, and identify whose information has been put at risk. Other costs include credit or identity protection services for affected individuals, and crisis management and PR specialists to help mitigate the potential fallout from breach event.
Secondly, breach of cyber security can also impact a company’s performance. Eftychis points out, recent breaches have had an impact on customer loyalty and store traffic, which has the potential to have a lasting impact on long-term profitability and share value.
Security breaches can also carry personal risk for hotel executives and board members. Attacks are drawing increased scrutiny from government regulators worldwide who want to ensure directors and officers are taking necessary steps to prevent breaches.
“Unfortunately cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated – to stem the tide hotels also need to stay proactive and put a strategy and incident response plan in place. As part of the plan, hotels should be aware of policies and processes relating to data breach, and educate staff on protocols,” concludes Eftychis.

(courtesy eTNW)

Monday Smile : Time is relative!

Z: Hi, It’s Z from South Africa. Can I speak to Mr Abdul?

Mr Abdul: Hi, Z.

Z: Hi, can we go through the enquiry you just sent?

Mr Abdul: I saw your response to my enquiry, but I don’t understand why I can’t have a day trip from Johannesburg to the Victoria Falls.

Z: Well Sir, Victoria Falls is more than a two hour flight away. In order to enjoy the attractions on offer, I would suggest a minimum of at least two or three days in Zambia.

Mr Abdul: So what is the problem dear, we want to go there to see the falls for just a few minutes, then Cape Town to see the mountain and return to Johannesburg to finish off the day at a bush safari. I told you that we only have two days in South Africa. Can we take a ship from Johannesburg to the Victoria Falls? Will it be quicker?

Z: Sir, let me send you a screen shot of a map showing the distances. This is not possible to do in a day. Sir, also note that there is no ocean surrounding Zambia.

Mr Abdul: Its fine, I will go online and book it myself. Also, I was checking online and saw that we can go underground down a mine in Johannesburg. Is there still gold coming out from that mine?

Z: Sir, I…

Mr Abdul butts in and says, ignore the enquiry, I am booking all of this directly. We only have 2 days. One day to get there, next day to do all activities.

Mr Abdul put the phone down on me!!

(courtesy eTNW)

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – anonymous

In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety - Abraham Maslow.

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Dark Days for the airline industry.

Enhanced Security Measures for Flights to USA, Canada and UK on EMIRATES

Dear Travel Partner,

Please be advised of additional security regulations for passengers flying to the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. The enhanced security measure requires passengers with any electronic or battery powered devices (mobile telephones, tablets, e-books, laptops, etc.) in cabin baggage to turn on their device in front of security teams and/or demonstrate the item’s functionality at Dubai International Airport prior to boarding their flight to USA, Canada and UK.

In case passengers are not able to demonstrate that their device has power, they will not be allowed to fly on their planned service.

Fastjet launches third destination - HARARE

Fastjet will begin operating services between Tanzania and Zimbabwe in August.

The airline will launch a twice-weekly operation from Dar es Salaam to Harare, with tickets already available for sale starting at US$50 (R533), excluding government charges and taxes. The announcement marks the third international route for fastjet which already flies from Tanzania to Zambia and South Africa.

Fastjet interim executive chairman and ceo, Ed Winter said: “We are delighted to be launching our third international route, to Harare. The people of Tanzania and Zimbabwe are crying out for a direct air link between the two countries and this news moves us one step closer to becoming the continent’s first truly pan-African carrier.”

The first flight is scheduled to take place on August 5 with services operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Source: eTNW

We are proudly African! As the first truly low cost carrier to fly into Africa, our icon is representative of our fight for lower airfares i.e. we have no fuel surcharges and you pay only for what you want. You can now fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls from R99 one way (Excl Tax)