Travelodge Customer Data Stolen
Travelodge UK is investigating an apparent hacking attack on its customer database.
The hotel chain issued a warning to users of its online service to be on the lookout for spam e-mails.
Full details of the security breach were not immediately available. A spokesperson said it seemed that a limited number of people were affected.
No financial information or payment details were stolen in the attack, according to Travelodge.
A letter to customers, signed by the company’s chief executive Guy Parsons, contains little information about the nature of the leak, although it stresses that Travelodge had not sold user data to a third party.
It also quotes the spam e-mail that some customers have received.
“Good day. Don’t miss exciting career opening. The company is seeking for self-motivated people in United Kingdom to help us spread out our activity in the UK area,” said the message.
The company promised to give further updates once is has completed an internal investigation.
Phishing trip
Stealing names and e-mail addresses is a favoured tactic of cyber criminals, who use the information to send “phishing” messages to the affected customers.
In many cases, they pose as the company that the data was stolen from in the first place.
Typically, recipients are asked to click on a link that will infect their computer with malicious software. Alternatively, the criminals may solicit financial information directly.
Security experts advise users to pay close attention to the address where an e-mail is sent from and the web URL of any links it contains.
Even when these look genuine, people should avoid handing over secure information in response to unsolicited messages.