Marriott Breach Investigators Hone In on Suspects

Marriott Breach Investigators Hone In on Suspects

Private investigators believe Chinese hackers may be to blame in the Marriott hack.

Private investigators for Marriott say Chinese hackers are emerging as suspects in the security breach that left the personal information of up to 500 million hotel guests exposed. 

Sources familiar with Marriott's internal investigation told Reuters that the methods used in the recent hack are similar to the tools, techniques and procedures that Chinese hackers have deployed before. 

While China is the leading suspect, Marriott will continue to investigate other possibilities, the sources said.

The Chinese government is denying any involvement in the hack, which compromised information including guest's passport details, phone numbers email addresses and possibly some credit card information.

“China firmly opposes all forms of cyber attack and cracks down on them in accordance with law,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang told Reuters. "If offered evidence, the relevant Chinese departments will carry out investigations according to law."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises. 3

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles. 3