Hackers Demand Bitcoin Ransom After Hijacking Hotel's Key System

hotel hackers ransomware bitcoin locks
The Romantik Seehotel Jaegerwirt hotel in Austria was targeted by hackers. Romantik Seehotel Jaegerwirt

The electronic key system of an Austrian hotel was compromised by hackers, forcing managers to pay a bitcoin ransom in order to recover it.

The 4-star Romantik Seehotel Jaegerwirt in Austria's Alpine Turracher Hoehe Pass was targeted in November by ransomware that forced the hotel to pay €1,500 ($1,603) in bitcoin in order to take back control of its key system, according to recent reports.

"The house was totally booked with 180 guests, we had no other choice. Neither police nor insurance help you in this case," the hotel's managing director Christoph Brandstaetter told the news agency Central European News.

"The restoration of our system after the first attack in summer has cost us several thousand euros. We did not get any money from the insurance so far because none of those to blame could be found."

Brandstaetter revealed that the hotel plans to replace its electronic key system with traditional keys and locks.

The cyberattack took place in November last year and is the first reported case of cyber criminals exploiting a hotel in this way. It was only made public by the hotel recently in an effort to raise awareness of the issue.

Ransomware is an increasingly popular form of cyber attack used by hackers, who hijack the computer systems of companies and institutions with malicious software and demand ransoms to free them.

The surge in ransomware led the U.S. and Canadian governments to release a rare joint-alert statement last year in order educate individuals and businesses about the threat.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Anthony Cuthbertson is a staff writer at Newsweek, based in London.  

Anthony's awards include Digital Writer of the Year (Online ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go