Cybersecurity & Your Park

With the technology of today progressively improving and becoming more and more codependent, cybersecurity is more important than ever in not only protecting yourself, but your business as well.

Whether you operate a small, limited space park or one with hundreds of sites, it is important to protect your business from a cybersecurity attack that could ultimately lead to stolen digital property. Especially in the camping industry, these attacks are more likely to transpire with small, unprotected businesses.

The first step to defending yourself is understanding the digital assets you possess as well as the risks they impose.  Assets that might interest cybercriminals include guest information, business records, Wi-Fi networks, and social media. Guest information is all personal information pertaining to the guests in your park, like names, addresses, and, most importantly, credit card numbers. Your business data can be anything from payroll data to your credit card information. Your internet connection may also pose a threat, giving access through routers and switches. Finally, your social media presence, like your profiles and email accounts can provide access points as well. A risk assessment can help you determine the best way to safeguard your information to keep from a cyberattack.

Once you have assessed your risks, it is important to take action. Not only should you develop a strategy and ensure that every aspect of your business is sound, you also need to make sure your Wi-Fi network (if you have one) is secure and free of weaknesses. Protecting your IT systems, like your reservation system, as well as training your staff in recognizing threats such as scam/phishing emails are both key in protecting yourself as well.  

At the end of the day, technology is a great thing, but it can be dangerous, too. Defending your business from cyberattacks is an important step in your everyday practices to ensure that you are able to keep everyone in your park safe.  

Check out Woodall’s Campground Magazine for a comprehensive guide to cybersecurity written by Patrick Chown!

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