Odyssey Cybersecurity CEO Christos Onoufriou Speaks at Travel Tech.24 GR Forum

Athens, Greece — On November 24th, as part of the Xenia Hotelier exhibition, the Travel Tech.24 GR Forum brought together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the hospitality industry. The event focused on innovative solutions and strategies to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency in the rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.

At the forum, Mr. Christos Onoufriou, CEO of Odyssey Cybersecurity, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Unwelcomed Guests: Closing the Door to Hotel Cyber Threats.” In his speech, he emphasized the escalating importance of cybersecurity in the hospitality industry, especially in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.

“Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the hospitality sector is a prime target due to the vast amount of sensitive guest data it handles,” Mr. Onoufriou stated. “It’s imperative that cybersecurity moves from the IT department to the Boardroom and is recognized as a fundamental business risk.”

He highlighted the need for organizations to embrace Exposure Management and implement processes and technologies that enable continuous evaluation of their digital assets’ visibility, accessibility, and vulnerability. “Understanding your digital footprint and potential vulnerabilities is crucial. It’s not a one-time assessment but a continual process of evaluation and improvement,” he explained.

Mr. Onoufriou also stressed the importance of becoming Cyber Resilient— and have the ability to maintain critical business operations and minimize damage in the face of cyber disruptions. “It’s not just about preventing attacks but also about having comprehensive plans in place to respond effectively when they occur. This ensures that hotels, establishments and hospitality platforms, can continue to operate and serve their guests even under adverse conditions,” he noted.

By integrating effective cybersecurity measures, hospitality businesses can protect their operations and provide secure, seamless experiences for their guests. The presentation underlined the necessity for industry leaders to prioritize cybersecurity as an integral part of their overall strategy.