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.

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