Be Cautious with Emails and Phone Calls

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

NCSC Guidance Feed: Staying Safe After the Marriott International Data Breach

Introduction

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued guidance for Marriott International customers following the reports of a data breach. As one of the largest hotel chains in the world, Marriott International has a vast customer base, and the potential impact of this breach is significant. In this article, we will delve into the NCSC's advice for Marriott International customers and provide guidance on how to protect yourself from potential cyber threats.

Understanding the Data Breach

On November 30, 2022, Marriott International announced that it had suffered a data breach, which affected approximately 5.2 million guests who made reservations at its properties in the United States. The breach occurred between 2014 and 2018, and it is believed that the attackers gained access to the company's database through a third-party service provider. The stolen data includes:

Personal details: Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
Payment card information: Credit card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes
Passport numbers: For guests who provided this information during their stay

NCSC Guidance for Marriott International Customers

The NCSC has provided the following guidance for Marriott International customers:

Monitor Your Accounts

The NCSC advises customers to closely monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity. This includes checking their credit card statements, bank accounts, and other financial records for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice any unusual activity, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately.

Change Your Passwords

The NCSC recommends that customers change their passwords for all online accounts, including their Marriott International account. This will help prevent any potential attackers from gaining access to your account.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

The NCSC advises customers to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all online accounts. This will add an extra layer of security to your account, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access.

Be Cautious with Emails and Phone Calls

The NCSC warns customers to be cautious with emails and phone calls that ask for personal or financial information. Scammers may try to use the data breach as a pretext to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

Report Suspicious Activity

The NCSC advises customers to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities, including the police and the NCSC.

Protecting Yourself from Cyber Threats

In addition to the NCSC's guidance, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from cyber threats:

Use Strong Passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate.

Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

Make sure your operating system and software are up-to-date. This will help prevent any known vulnerabilities from being exploited by attackers.

Use a VPN

Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi networks. This will help encrypt your internet traffic and prevent attackers from intercepting your data.

Be Aware of Phishing Scams

Be aware of phishing scams, which are emails or messages that ask for personal or financial information. Never respond to these types of messages, and report them to the relevant authorities.

Conclusion

The Marriott International data breach is a significant cyber threat that affects millions of customers. The NCSC's guidance provides valuable advice on how to protect yourself from potential cyber threats. By following the NCSC's guidance and taking additional steps to protect yourself, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to a cyber attack.

Additional Resources

For more information on the Marriott International data breach and the NCSC's guidance, please visit the following resources:

NCSC Guidance: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/ncsc-advice-marriott-international-customers
Marriott International Data Breach: https://www.marriott.com/privacy-policy/

FAQs

Q: What is the NCSC? A: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a part of GCHQ, the UK's intelligence agency, and is responsible for providing guidance and advice on cyber security.

Q: What is a data breach? A: A data breach is an incident in which sensitive information is accessed or stolen without authorization.

Q: What should I do if I think I've been a victim of a data breach? A: If you think you've been a victim of a data breach, report it to the relevant authorities, including the police and the NCSC.

Q: How can I protect myself from cyber threats? A: You can protect yourself from cyber threats by using strong passwords, keeping your software up-to-date, using a VPN, and being aware of phishing scams.
NCSC Guidance Feed: Staying Safe After the Marriott International Data Breach

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About the Marriott International Data Breach

The Marriott International data breach has left many customers with questions and concerns about their personal and financial information. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the data breach and provide guidance on how to protect yourself from potential cyber threats.

Q: What is the Marriott International data breach?

A: The Marriott International data breach is a cyber attack that occurred between 2014 and 2018, which affected approximately 5.2 million guests who made reservations at Marriott International properties in the United States. The attackers gained access to the company's database through a third-party service provider and stole sensitive information, including personal details, payment card information, and passport numbers.

Q: What information was stolen in the data breach?

A: The stolen information includes:

Personal details: Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
Payment card information: Credit card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes
Passport numbers: For guests who provided this information during their stay

Q: What should I do if I think I've been a victim of the data breach?

A: If you think you've been a victim of the data breach, report it to the relevant authorities, including the police and the NCSC. You should also:

Monitor your accounts: Closely monitor your credit card statements, bank accounts, and other financial records for any suspicious activity
Change your passwords: Change your passwords for all online accounts, including your Marriott International account
Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all online accounts
Be cautious with emails and phone calls: Be cautious with emails and phone calls that ask for personal or financial information

Q: How can I protect myself from cyber threats?

A: You can protect yourself from cyber threats by:

Using strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts
Keeping your software up-to-date: Make sure your operating system and software are up-to-date
Using a VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi networks
Being aware of phishing scams: Be aware of phishing scams, which are emails or messages that ask for personal or financial information

Q: What is the NCSC's role in the data breach?

A: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a part of GCHQ, the UK's intelligence agency, and is responsible for providing guidance and advice on cyber security. The NCSC has issued guidance for Marriott International customers following the data breach, which includes advice on how to protect themselves from potential cyber threats.

Q: How can I report suspicious activity?

A: If you notice any suspicious activity on your accounts or receive any suspicious emails or phone calls, report it to the relevant authorities, including the police and the NCSC. You can also report suspicious activity to the Marriott International customer service team.

Q: What should I do if I've already taken action to protect myself?

A: If you've already taken action to protect yourself, such as changing your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication, you should continue to monitor your accounts and be cautious with emails and phone calls. You should also report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest information on the data breach?

A: You can stay up-to-date with the latest information on the data breach by visiting the Marriott International website and the NCSC website. You can also follow the NCSC on social media to receive the latest updates and advice on cyber security.