Why your hotel should care about PCI DSS 4.0

With advancements in technology, checking into a hotel should be safer than ever. Yet, despite these improvements, attackers from around the globe continue to target these systems, attempting to disrupt the security and privacy of guests.

With cyber attacks increasing by 9% in the hospitality industry last year alone, the rollout of PCI DSS 4.0 isn’t just a regulatory update; it’s a crucial shield against potential financial and reputational damage.

What’s new in PCI DSS 4.0?

PCI DSS 4.0 is a major overhaul designed to tackle the complexities of modern payment systems. Here’s what’s new:

Advanced authentication and access controls

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Now mandatory across all access points, MFA adds an extra layer of security that goes beyond traditional password systems.
• Enhanced Password Policies: The minimum password length has been increased from eight to twelve characters. See our article on password management
• Stricter Account Management: New protocols for the management of shared, group, and generic accounts ensure tighter control and traceability.

Improved integrity and security protocols

• Payment Page Integrity: New requirements for maintaining the integrity of scripts running on payment pages prevent tampering and skimming attacks by malicious actors.
• Sensitive Data Protection: Enhanced encryption standards now mandate the encryption of sensitive authentication data (SAD) at all times.
• Secure Remote Access: New safeguards prevent the copying and/or relocation of the primary account number (PAN) during remote-access sessions, protecting against data leaks in virtual environments.

Proactive threat detection and management

• Phishing Defence: Obligatory mechanisms to detect and protect against phishing attacks help safeguard personnel and sensitive data. See our article on phishing prevention
• Automated Audit Reviews: Automated tools must now be used for audit log reviews, ensuring timely identification of suspicious activities without human delay.
• Intrusion Detection: Updated intrusion-detection and prevention techniques are required to identify and block covert malware communications effectively.

Clearly defined roles and responsibilities

• Accountability: Each requirement now comes with clearly articulated roles and responsibilities, ensuring that all team members know their specific security duties.

Recognising that one size does not fit all, the new standard allows more flexibility for hotels to meet security objectives in ways that best fit their operations.

The Compliance Countdown

• March 2022: PCI DSS 4.0 is unveiled.
• March 2025: Deadline day! All entities need to fully comply with the new standards, or face potential penalties.

Why should UK and Jersey hotels care?

The cost of a data breach in the hospitality industry can be devastating, averaging about $3.2 million (IBM, 2021), with 32% of all compliance failures involving improperly protected cardholder data, emphasising the vulnerability in this sector (Verizon, 2020).

The enhanced requirements of PCI DSS 4.0—like stronger encryption and mandatory MFA—are essential tools that can drastically reduce the risk of costly breaches.

In a post-GDPR world, where consumers are increasingly aware of their data rights, showing a commitment to data security can significantly boost a hotel’s reputation and guest confidence. PCI DSS 4.0 is therefore a commitment to guest safety.

Adhering to PCI DSS 4.0 also means smoother alignment with UK and Jersey's stringent data protection laws.

Non-compliance can attract fines up to 4% of annual turnover under GDPR, making diligent compliance a financially wise strategy.

What hotels need to do

Transitioning to PCI DSS 4.0 may mean significant changes:

• Implementing cutting-edge security technologies and updating existing hardware to support robust encryption and authentication measures.
• Ensuring that all team members, from the front desk to the back office, are trained on the nuances of the new standards and understand their roles in maintaining security.

The upfront costs associated with upgrading to PCI DSS 4.0 can be substantial.

However, considering the alternative—potential breaches and heavy fines—these are not costs but critical investments in the hotel’s future security and reliability.

Staying ahead of the curve

• Risk Assessments: Regular checks to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Tailored Security Measures: Leveraging the flexibility of PCI DSS 4.0 to create custom solutions that fit specific operational needs and risks.
• Continuous Training: Keeping security training for staff current with the latest threats and countermeasures.
• Proactive Incident Management: Having an effective response plan in place to handle data breaches swiftly should they occur.

For hotels in the UK and Jersey, embracing PCI DSS 4.0 is about securing trust and loyalty as much as it is about protecting data.

The new standard isn't just a regulatory requirement—it's a strategic advantage in a competitive industry. As 2025 approaches, the countdown isn’t just for compliance; it’s a timer counting down to a new, more secure era in hospitality.