Cloud-Based Access Can Improve Hotel Security

Cloud-based hotel software has transformed the hospitality industry and is becoming increasingly commonplace. A key part of any cloud-based hotel tech stack is cloud-based access management, which helps to increase digital security.

What are cloud-based solutions?

Put simply, the cloud is the internet. When a solution is cloud-based, it means that it is running at a secure third-party location and accessible from anywhere via a device with an internet connection. Instead of having to re-download the necessary software on each device used to access a hotel’s cloud-based solutions, only one login is required for the application.

Cloud-based solutions are attractive because they offer a more cost-effective solution to modern software, primarily by eliminating the need for physical servers and the expensive fees associated with maintaining and keeping the software secured and up to date. In addition, many cloud-based services offer a “pay-as-you-go” model based on subscription and usage-based fees, and do not require the upfront investment that many solutions require to install hardware and software.

How are cloud-based solutions more secure?

Cloud-based solutions are often more secure than traditional solutions. As there is no need for manual onsite maintenance with cloud-based solutions, everything can be managed remotely and updated automatically. This means that hoteliers can be assured that their solutions are constantly up-to-date with the latest technology, which is vital for fighting new security threats.

Hoteliers no longer need to worry about backups and security copies with an internal server. On the cloud, data is mirrored and continuously backed up on a secure, remote server. Data transfers with cloud-based solutions use encrypted, high-security protocols, ensuring no data is lost and digital security risk is mitigated.

Read how we secure our cloud-based locks and access management platform.

What are the most popular cloud-based solutions for hotels?

The most popular cloud-based solutions in the hospitality industry include property management systems (PMS) and internet solutions. Cloud-based PMSs take the responsibility of data security away from the hotelier and transfer it to their providers, who enable real-time secure data transfer.

Because access management is critical to the hotel and guest security, important amenities such as mobile access require seamless integration into existing operations, hoteliers should consider implementing cloud-based access management.

Moving to a cloud-based access management system allows hoteliers to maximise the benefits of the cloud for hotel security. With guest safety and security a first concern for hotels, the need to perform automated security updates and patches in an access management system is a high priority.

In addition, moving your access management solution to a cloud-based platform can also benefit a property’s physical security: Because hoteliers can monitor and control security access from an external device, they can respond more quickly to detected security threats. In traditional on-premise access management systems, if a guest or staff would lose a keycard for example a hotel would have to manually reprogram each lock and revoke access for the lost card which could cost hours of work, depending on the size of the hotel. With the power of the cloud, hoteliers can now instantly revoke the access of that keycard (or mobile key) via the cloud to all the locks in real time.

In addition, moving your access management solution to a cloud-based platform can also benefit a property’s physical security: Because hoteliers can monitor and control security access from an external device, they can respond more quickly to detected security threats. When a key card gets lost in a hotel, that still uses on-premise access management systems, the hotel must manually reprogram each lock and block access for the lost card, this can take several hours of work depending on the size of the hotel. With the power of the cloud, hoteliers can now revoke access to that key card (or mobile key) via the cloud instantly and in real-time for all locks.

Many guests prefer mobile access because it is more convenient and contactless. With an advanced cloud-based access management solution, potentially unforeseen compatibility issues can be avoided and the security measures of a digital key platform can be further enhanced. Any potential security issues are instantly detected by the connected access management platform and can then be quickly resolved via a remote software update that does not require waiting for a provider to first schedule an onsite visit, or worse replacing the hardware

As hoteliers continue to look for practical solutions to modern security threats, the benefits of utilizing cloud-based technologies are undeniable. Discover our cloud-based smart IoT locks for hotels here.