Cloud PMS Facts – Part 2

Is Cloud PMS Really Secure?

Cloud PMS systems are often marketed with phrases such as “high security,” “automatic backups,” and “secure data centers.” But is it truly secure? Or is there a difference between perceived security and real control?

Where Is Data Stored in a Cloud PMS?

In cloud-based PMS systems, data is not stored on the hotel’s own server but in third-party data centers. These data centers are often located in different countries.

This raises an important question: If the data is not physically within your property, is it truly under your control?

Legal Responsibility and Compliance

For hotels operating under regulations such as GDPR or Turkey’s KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law), the protection of guest data is a legal obligation.

When using a Cloud PMS:

• Data may be transferred abroad.
• A third-party provider may act as the data processor.
• In the event of a data breach, legal responsibility still belongs to the hotel.

The system may be cloud-based; however, accountability is always yours.

Cyberattacks and Centralized Risk

Cloud infrastructures host thousands of businesses on the same platform. While this provides centralized security management, it also creates centralized risk.

A single security vulnerability can affect hundreds of hotels at once. Compared to local and isolated systems, the potential impact can be significantly broader.

Why Does “Cloud = Secure” Perception Exist?

The strong infrastructures of major technology companies position cloud systems as inherently secure. However, security is not only about server protection.

• Access control
• User authorization
• Data ownership
• Backup policies
• Encryption standards

Real security depends not only on system architecture but also on the data control model.

The Real Question: Security or Control?

Cloud PMS systems may be technically secure. However, the issue is not simply whether they can be hacked.

The real question is:

Who has ultimate control over the data?

When selecting a hotel management system, it is essential to evaluate not only infrastructure security but also the data ownership model.

Security is not just a server matter.

Control is always an architectural decision.