If your business is in the hospitality world, there’s a new cybersecurity warning you need to take seriously. Microsoft has just raised the alarm about a rising wave of phishing scams that are fooling hotel staff and stealing sensitive guest information. The scam pretends to be Booking.com and could put your business and your guests at serious risk if you’re not prepared.

A Closer Look at the ClickFix Scam Targeting Hotels

Microsoft’s security team recently uncovered a widespread phishing campaign known as ClickFix. This scam is specifically aimed at hotels and similar businesses. Attackers send convincing emails that look like they’re from Booking.com. These messages often mention reviews or account issues and include a link that appears to lead to a CAPTCHA screen followed by an error message.

Here’s where the trap is set. The error message offers a “fix” that actually installs malware. Once that malware is in place, it collects login details and gives the attackers access to your system. From there, they can redirect payments, view or steal customer data, and even manipulate bookings.

What makes this especially concerning is how realistic the emails are. Scammers have become skilled at mimicking Booking.com’s look and tone, making it much harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake.

Why This Threat Could Be Devastating for Hotels

Trust is everything in hospitality. If guests find out their financial or personal information was exposed, the damage to your reputation could be long-lasting. Along with angry reviews and canceled bookings, you could face legal consequences and months of recovery if your systems are compromised.

ClickFix doesn’t just steal data. It causes operational nightmares. From missing payments to fake reservations and canceled stays, the fallout can disrupt your business from the inside out.

How to Protect Your Business and Your Guests

Cybercriminals rely on panic and misplaced trust. But by staying alert and preparing your team, you can avoid falling into their trap.

Make sure your team knows how to spot suspicious messages. That includes anything that feels rushed, poorly written, or asks them to click a link without explanation. Encourage staff to look closely at links and to never act on strange messages without checking in with management first.

If someone receives a message claiming there’s an issue with a reservation or account, remind them not to click anything in the email. Instead, go straight to Booking.com through a trusted browser to verify the situation.

It’s also a good idea to check in with your IT support about your current cybersecurity setup. Filters that block known phishing addresses, tools that monitor strange login attempts, and regular system audits can make a big difference in catching threats early.

Keep an Eye Out and Stay One Step Ahead

While ClickFix is currently targeting hospitality businesses, this kind of scam could appear in other industries too. Staying informed is your best defense. Keep up with the latest alerts from Microsoft and similar sources, train your team regularly, and stay proactive about digital security. It’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your business and the people who trust you.