Hotels across the globe blend digital and physical experiences faster than ever. Cloud-managed and guest-focused smart devices will continue to make modern hotels complex, connected environments. But these changes are also ushering in new cybersecurity risks.
In the coming year, the industry will face continued and new threats shaped by global regulations, increasing adoption of AI and heightened importance of guest data. Following are my seven predictions of cybersecurity trends affecting 2026, along with actionable strategies to help mitigate each.
1. AI-powered phishing will outsmart legacy defenses
Malicious actors are increasingly using AI to craft sophisticated, contextually relevant messages that closely mimic internal communication styles or appear to be correspondence from suppliers. Unlike the “urgent invoice” emails, today’s AI tools can make these messages extremely targeted with appropriate tone and even personalized grammatical flair.
In the hospitality industry, which relies immensely on emails for everything from coordinating bookings to guest communications, this evolution significantly heightens the risk brought about by social engineering to make it one of the most prominent in 2026.
Mitigation:
Deploy AI-powered threat detection that can pick up on behavioral anomalies, rather than simply keyword or domain-based filters. Run regular phishing simulations and focused awareness training to prepare staff for recognition of contextual red flags—not just visual ones. Establish a “trust-but-verify” culture before processing payments or releasing sensitive data.
2. Ransomware-as-a-Service targets Operational Technology (OT)
Ransomware groups are moving away from mere encryption towards disrupting operations. For hotels, that means hacking property management systems, door locks, HVAC controls and integrations of bookings. The aim is to bring operations to a grinding halt with minimal effort, necessitating a payout for restore access.
Mitigation:
Segment IT and OT networks so that a breach in one cannot cascade to the other. Conduct tabletop exercises simulating the loss of key systems and review business continuity plans regularly. Ensure critical backups are isolated and tested, not just stored.
3. Deepfake threats will reach the front desk
In 2026, deepfakes will move from being celebrity hoaxes to operational fraud. Imagine a voice message that sounds convincingly like your GM asking to approve a wire transfer, or that video call from a “vendor representative” confirming a change in payment. This will become cheap and scalable with the release of free-to-use AI tools.
Mitigation:
Institute strict out-of-band verification for financial and data-sensitive operations, with secondary approval via a known phone number or through internal messaging. Provide training to staff on questioning unusual requests, even if they seem to originate from senior management.
4. Regulatory compliance will become an operational priority
In 2026, the EU’s NIS2 directive and Cyber Resilience Act will spur a global rollout of even tighter cybersecurity and privacy regulations. This introduces a patchwork of requirements impacting vendors, connected devices and digital services for hotels operating in multiple regions.
Mitigation:
Map out your technology supply chain and document compliance status for each system and vendor. Then implement a cybersecurity framework such as ISO 27001 or NIST as a unifying baseline. Hoteliers also need to make sure that data processing agreements and vendor contracts are updated, reflecting evolving regional requirements.
5. Smart room devices will become a new frontline for attacks
IoT digital assistants, smart TVs and connected minibars have become standard in upscale properties. However, many devices leverage outdated firmware, hard-coded credentials or insecure network configurations. Compromised devices may leak guest data, enable remote surveillance or serve as points of entry to the wider network.
Mitigation:
Inventory all connected devices and apply zero-trust network principles to each device type, operating in an isolated VLAN with strict traffic rules. Engage vendors closely to enforce patching schedules and require vulnerability disclosure programs. Use regular third-party penetration testing to uncover weak points before the attackers do.
6. Cyber insurance will tighten its terms
Losses to ransomware are causing insurers to increase premiums, while underwriting requirements are becoming stricter. Most hospitality groups will no longer be covered for many attack vectors unless controls such as MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and incident response plans can be proven in place.
Mitigation:
Treat insurance renewals as an annual security assessment, engaging with brokers early, documenting improvements and leveraging insurer audits to benchmark maturity.
7. Sustainability will extend to cyber resilience
In the future, the hospitality industry’s focus on sustainability will expand to digital sustainability: securely managing data, reducing system waste and ensuring cyber resilience as part of responsible operations. Guests and investors alike will expect hotels to demonstrate trust, transparency and preparedness.
Mitigation:
Integrate cybersecurity metrics into ESG reporting. Show how your data protection, incident response, and digital ethics match up against your values of sustainability. In so doing, you will engender trust with regulators and guests who increasingly will care about how their data is treated.
Confidence in hospitality
Gone are the days when it was all about compliance checklists or IT hygiene; cybersecurity in hospitality has become central to brand integrity and guest trust. In 2026, the most successful hotels will be those that see security as an enabler of reliability, not a constraint on innovation. By embedding cyber resilience into daily operations, staff culture and technology strategy, hoteliers can ensure that each digital experience is as welcoming and secure as the physical one.
Dr. Chris Spencer serves as director/head of product security, overseeing the security and operations of ASSA ABLOY’s hospitality division. In his concurrent role as CISO of Nomadix and GlobalReach, he leads security operations across the brands, securing critical infrastructure and achieving internationally recognized certifications, including Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001.
This is a contributed piece to Hotel Business, authored by an industry professional. The thoughts expressed are the perspective of the bylined individual.
