Marriott International, one of the world’s leading hospitality giants, has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Over the past decade, multiple devastating data breaches have exposed the personal information of hundreds of millions of guests. We’re talking passport numbers, payment card details, and other sensitive data—handed over to hackers on a silver platter. These incidents didn’t just damage Marriott’s reputation—they hit their bottom line hard.
In fact, Marriott has forked over millions in penalties and settlements, most recently a staggering $52 million to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 49 states.
Now here’s the kicker: many of these costly disasters could have been avoided by taking basic security steps that any Managed Service Provider (MSP) would typically offer.
Let’s dive into how a Managed IT Services partnership could have saved Marriott millions and spared their customers the nightmare of having their personal information exposed.
What Went Wrong at Marriott?
Marriott’s string of data breaches wasn’t just a series of bad luck—it was a catastrophic failure in IT security that spanned years. The root cause? Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels in 2016. At the time, Starwood’s systems had already been compromised, exposing millions of guest records. And unbelievably, this breach went undetected for TWO YEARS post-acquisition!
But it didn’t stop there. Marriott experienced two additional data breaches in subsequent years, putting even more customer data at risk. Names, emails, payment details, passport numbers, loyalty accounts—you name it, hackers got their hands on it.
This wasn’t just unfortunate—it was the result of glaring gaps in basic cybersecurity practices. The FTC pointed to weak password controls, outdated software, and poor monitoring—essentially all the things a well-equipped MSP would have addressed from the get-go.
How a Managed Service Provider Could Have Prevented This
So, what could an MSP have done differently? Simple: proactive monitoring, updated security strategies, and constant vigilance. Here’s how an MSP could have been Marriott’s knight in shining armor:
Routine Vulnerability Scanning & System Updates
One of Marriott’s biggest mistakes was relying on outdated software. An MSP routinely scans systems for weaknesses and makes sure everything is updated. Hackers exploit gaps in outdated software, but an MSP closes those gaps fast. Marriott missed that boat—don’t let your business make the same mistake.
Strengthening Password Security
Weak passwords were another culprit in Marriott’s downfall. An MSP enforces strong password policies, regular password changes, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). These simple measures make it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain access—and yet, Marriott didn’t implement these basics.
Real-Time Monitoring & Security Audits
Marriott’s breaches went undetected for far too long. An MSP, on the other hand, monitors your network in real-time and conducts regular audits. If something looks suspicious, they’re on it immediately. If Marriott had partnered with an MSP, they could have detected—and responded to—these breaches far earlier, limiting the damage.
Data Retention & Deletion Policies
Marriott made another major misstep: holding onto too much data for too long. An MSP helps businesses establish smart data retention and deletion policies, keeping only what’s necessary and reducing exposure if a breach happens. Marriott’s failure to implement these practices cost them dearly.
A Breach Costs More Than Prevention—A LOT More
The price of a data breach? It’s not just the immediate fines and settlements, though $52 million is nothing to sneeze at. It’s the long-term damage to your brand, customer trust, and legal fees. The ripple effect can last years.
Now, compare that to the cost of hiring an MSP—a fraction of what Marriott’s breach has cost them. Think of an MSP as your security insurance, protecting you from catastrophic financial loss and reputational ruin. With an MSP on your side, you can focus on what you do best—running your business—while they safeguard your systems.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis—Act NOW!
Marriott’s downfall is a warning for businesses everywhere: no company, no matter how large, is immune to a breach. Data security is not something to leave to chance or “handle later.” If a company as massive as Marriott can be brought to its knees by cyberattacks, anyone can.
Don’t wait until you’re faced with a crisis to take action. If you don’t have a dedicated IT team constantly monitoring your data, it’s time to consider working with an MSP. Let a Managed Service Provider be your first line of defense against cyber threats—protect your customers, your reputation, and your business.
The lesson is clear: Be proactive, not reactive. Make the smart choice today.
