Travelodge customer database hacked
By Deborah Bates
24/06/2011
Hoteliers throughout the UK may want to check the security of their IT management systems, as Travelodge has confirmed its customer database has been hacked.
According to Anhourago.com, the chain revealed a breach had happened but that the extent of it was yet unknown.
The hackers have used the information on the database to send out spam emails. The messages state: "Don't miss exciting career opening. The company is seeking for [sic] self-motivated people in United Kingdom."
Typically, emails of this kind will include links to websites ridden with malware, which may infect the recipient's computer if activated. Some messages can look extremely genuine, so it is no surprise many people are fooled.
Travelodge confirmed the news to its customers in a letter sent by the chain's chief executive, Guy Parsons. In it, Parsons wrote: "A small number of you may have received a spam email via the email address you have registered with us.
"Please be assured, we have not sold any customer data and no financial information has been compromised. The safety and security of your personal information is of the up-most importance to us."
He went on to state that the company has launched a "comprehensive investigation" into what had happened, BBC.co.uk reported.
