Federal authorities are investigating a report from the Radisson hotel chain that someone illegally accessed its computer systems. According to Radisson Hotels & Resorts, the situation affects only a limited number of its 400 hotels.Federal law enforcement is investigating a hack that compromised computer
systems at Radisson Hotels & Resorts hotels throughout the United
States and Canada.
Officials at Radisson, part of Carlson, revealed that its computer systems
were accessed without authorization between November 2008 and May 2009. The
company did not say which of its hotels was hit
or how many, but in a statement Radisson Chief Operating Officer Fredrik Korallus
described the number as "limited."
In an open
letter to customers, Korallus said, "Working with law enforcement and
forensic investigators, Radisson is conducting a thorough review of the
potentially affected computer systems, and has implemented additional security
measures designed to prevent a recurrence of such an attack and to protect the
privacy of Radisson's valued guests."
According to the hotel chain, the accessed computer systems contained guest
information, including names, credit and debit card numbers, and the expiration
date on the cards. Social Security numbers are not included in the records. At
this point, it is unknown whether particular names or other information were in
fact accessed or taken.
According to the company, it became aware of the data breach after receiving
information from payment card companies and payment card processors.
To help concerned customers, the company created a toll-free telephone
number, 866-584-9255,
and Web page to provide customers with information and assistance. Radisson
will offer a free year of credit monitoring to customers who stayed at its
hotel during the time period in question if the guest enrolls by Nov.
18. Call the number above for more information about eligibility.