The information of as many as 500 million people staying at Starwood hotels has been compromised and Marriott says it's uncovered unauthorized access that's been taking place within its Starwood network since 2014.
Starwood's Brands include:
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, Westin Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, St. Regis, Element Hotels, Aloft Hotels, The Luxury Collection , Tribute Portfolio, Le Méridien Hotels & Resort, and Design Hotels.
Starwood Hotels was purchased by Marriott in 2016, but it appears that Marriott hotels and other brands owned by the company were not affected, according to the Business Insider.
The company said Friday that credit card numbers and expiration dates of some guests may have been taken. Marriott said that there was a breach of its database in September, which had guest information related to reservations at Starwood properties on or before Sept. 10.
Marriott discovered through the investigation that someone copied and encrypted guest information, and says it's now working toward removing the information. Marriott has set up a website and call centre for anyone who thinks that they are at risk, and on Friday will begin sending emails to those affected.
(With files from Russ Courtney)