Compromised Systems, Compromised Data: A Technical Analysis of the Marriott Data Breach

Data breaches continue to be a significant threat to corporations and individuals alike. The 2018 Marriott International data breach, compromising the data of over 500 million guests, underscores the severity and persistence of these attacks. This paper provides a technical analysis of the Marriott breach, examining the attack methodology, root causes, and the devastating repercussions for the company and its customers. Central questions of this paper include: How did attackers exploit vulnerabilities in Marriott's systems, particularly within the acquired Starwood network? What were the consequences in terms of financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory implications? Could the impact have been mitigated through more robust cybersecurity measures? The research draws upon existing literature on data breaches and cybersecurity, analyzing the Marriott incident in light of common attack patterns and industry best practices. Key recommendations focus on the need for: Data Leak Prevention and Detection (DLPD) mechanisms Thorough security audits during mergers and acquisitions Implementation of stricter data protection laws Increased customer awareness of data securityThis study highlights the critical role of proactive cybersecurity strategies in the hospitality industry and the broader corporate landscape.