DusitD2 Hotel Targeted by Alphv Ransomware Group

Company Background

The DusitD2 hotel, located in the upscale Barsha Heights area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is strategically situated near universities and offices, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, a choice of vibrant in-house dining destinations, a fitness center, spa, and rooftop pool.

Vulnerabilities and Targeting

The DusitD2 hotel was targeted by Alphv, a ransomware group known for its attacks on various industries. The hotel's website does not provide information on its size or specific vulnerabilities that may have made it a target. However, the hotel's location in a densely populated area and its status as a popular destination for both locals and tourists could have made it an attractive target for cybercriminals.

Previous Attacks

The DusitD2 hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, was previously targeted in a terrorist attack in 2019, which left 22 civilians and all five terrorists dead. This incident was part of a series of attacks by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, which has been opposed to Kenyan involvement in the Somali Civil War.

Mitigation Strategies

While the specific mitigation strategies used by the DusitD2 hotel to protect against ransomware attacks are not publicly available, it is recommended that organizations in the Hospitality sector implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as regular software updates, employee training, and multi-factor authentication, to reduce the risk of ransomware attacks.

Sources

• Reward Offer for Information on Mohamoud Abdi Aden and Others Responsible for the 2019 Attack on DusitD2 Hotel Complex in Nairobi, Kenya
• Nairobi DusitD2 complex attack - Wikipedia
• A year after DusitD2 attack, grief and pain still linger | Al-Shabab News
• dusitD2 Kenz Hotel - Dusit Hotels & Resorts
• Kenya attack: 21 confirmed dead in DusitD2 hotel siege - BBC
• Ransomware Attacks on the Hospitality Industry: Prevention and Response Strategies