IHG Releases Statement To Consumers Regarding System Hack

IHG has finally released a statement on its website about why members have not been able to access their accounts, make new or modify existing reservations.

IHG earlier today acknowledged that the “scheduled maintenance” that has been ongoing since 9 PM ET on Sunday was, in fact, a hack.

You can access IHG here.

READ MORE: IHG One Rewards Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Timeline of the IHG hack:

• Website and app went down at 9 PM ET on Sunday (September 4)
• Website and app were briefly up between 11 AM and 1 PM ET on Monday (September 5)
• IHG Releases a statement about the hack on Tuesday afternoon (September 6)

Here’s the message:

A message to our guests: At this time, you may have challenges booking a new reservation, accessing information about your upcoming reservations and accessing your IHG One Rewards account.  We’re working to restore all service as soon as possible. If you have an urgent request for an upcoming stay or need to make an urgent reservation, you can call the hotel directly to make, amend or cancel a booking. Thank you for your patience.

On Their website:

And on the app:

IHG’s Press Release:

Unauthorised access to technology systems

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG or the Company) reports that parts of the Company’s technology systems have been subject to unauthorised activity. IHG’s booking channels and other applications have been significantly disrupted since yesterday, and this is ongoing.

IHG has implemented its response plans, is notifying relevant regulatory authorities and is working closely with its technology suppliers. External specialists have also been engaged to investigate the incident.

IHG is working to fully restore all systems as soon as possible and to assess the nature, extent and impact of the incident. We will be supporting hotel owners and operators as part of our response to the ongoing service disruption. IHG’s hotels are still able to operate and to take reservations directly.

A further update will be provided as and when appropriate.

Our Previous Coverage:

• IHG Confirms The Reason For Prolonged “Website Maintenance” – HACK
• IHG’s Total System Outage Continues For The Second Day
• IHG Outage September 5, 2022

Conclusion

IHG’s consumer-facing statement is disingenuous and incorrect.

It is not that WE are having problems making new reservations, but that IHG has been hacked, and their internal systems are down and offline.

Where is IHG’s CEO, Mr. Barr hiding? Shouldn’t he have issued a statement and apologized for the situation that hotels and guests are facing?