Marriott to Pay $52 Million to Settle Multiple Data Breaches

Marriott International has agreed to a settlement of $52 million in response to various data breaches that compromised the personal information of millions of guests. This settlement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by large corporations in safeguarding customer data and the increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies regarding data protection practices.

Key Points of the Settlement:
Background of Data Breaches: The settlement stems from a series of data breaches that occurred between 2014 and 2018, affecting approximately 383 million guests. The breaches exposed sensitive information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and in some cases, passport numbers and credit card details.

Regulatory Actions: The settlement is part of an agreement with several state attorneys general and follows investigations into Marriott’s cybersecurity practices. The company faced criticism for its failure to adequately protect customer data after acquiring Starwood Hotels, where the initial breach occurred.

Use of Settlement Funds: The $52 million will be used to provide compensation to affected customers and fund initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity measures across Marriott’s properties. This includes investments in technology and training to enhance data protection protocols.

Commitment to Enhanced Security: In light of these breaches, Marriott has pledged to implement more robust security measures to prevent future incidents. This includes regular security audits, enhanced encryption methods, and improved employee training on data protection.

Impact on Reputation: The data breaches have had a significant impact on Marriott’s reputation as a trusted hospitality brand. The company is working diligently to restore customer confidence by demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding personal information