Odilia Guiant, CEO
Service Enterprises issued a clear and urgent message: data security must be a top priority for resorts and developers. The conversation, centered on how resorts can safeguard owner and financial data, wasn’t abstract or theoretical. It was grounded in real-world pressures and practical actions—precisely the kind of guidance today’s timeshare operators need.
Guiant, CEO of Trinity, put it bluntly: “We manage sensitive data across countries, currencies, and systems. If we’re not vigilant, we’re not just risking numbers—we’re risking trust, reputations, and the financial health of an entire resort.”
As operators of resorts know, data breaches aren’t just a threat to IT systems. They impact payment flows, owner confidence, legal compliance, and more. Fortunately, there are steps every resort can take now to reduce risk and raise their security game.
“You can’t protect what you don’t control,” said Healy, Trinity’s Chairman. “Start by identifying exactly who has access to what data—and why.”
Trinity enforces a “minimum access” policy, meaning only those with a legitimate business need can access certain financial, personal, or transactional records. Resorts should do the same. Regularly review permissions for internal staff and external vendors, and eliminate access that’s outdated or unnecessary.
Action Step: Conduct quarterly audits of user permissions on all systems handling owner or financial data.
“MFA is one of the easiest and most effective tools to prevent unauthorized access,” Guiant said. “It’s astonishing how many companies still aren’t using it.”
MFA requires users to verify their identity using two or more credentials—typically a password and a temporary code sent to a device or app. Trinity mandates MFA for access to all internal systems, and resorts should require it for anyone accessing payment platforms, member records, or reporting portals.
Action Step: Enable MFA on all systems that support it—especially property management systems, reservation platforms, and online payment tools.
Trinity uses encryption for both stored and transmitted data, and partners with cloud providers like Microsoft Azure who meet ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standards. According to Healy, “Even if data is intercepted, encryption ensures it’s unreadable.”
Many resorts still use outdated or unsecured file-sharing methods. If you’re emailing spreadsheets or storing unencrypted records on local drives, it’s time to upgrade.
Action Step: Use secure FTP, cloud services with encryption, or tokenized systems to transmit and store owner or banking information.
“Technology can block a lot of attacks,” Guiant explained. “But the human element is often the weak link. That’s why we invest in training—not just systems.”
Trinity trains its staff to recognize phishing emails, spoofed links, and other social engineering tactics. Resorts should follow suit by conducting regular security training and simulated phishing tests.
Action Step: Implement semi-annual security awareness training for all employees, including call center and front desk staff.
Healy emphasized the importance of daily backups. “We back up client data every day and store it offsite. But the key isn’t just backing up—it’s making sure you can actually restore when you need to.”
Backups are only useful if they’re current, protected, and restorable. Resorts should have clear documentation on where data is stored, how often it’s backed up, and how quickly it can be restored in a crisis.
Action Step: Test your data recovery process twice a year and maintain offsite or cloud-based backups with encryption.
Trinity partners with third-party network monitoring specialists who use AI to detect suspicious activity 24/7. “By the time a human notices a problem, the damage might already be done,” Guiant said. “We rely on automated systems to flag and isolate threats immediately.”
Even small resorts can benefit from security software that monitors access patterns, flags anomalies, and locks down compromised accounts.
Action Step: Install and configure real-time network monitoring or hire a managed IT partner to do it for you.
From ACH to credit cards to cross-border wires, Trinity manages a high volume of financial transactions. To reduce risk, they use tokenization, pre-approved wire templates, and bank-level fraud controls.
“Every dollar must be traceable, protected, and authorized by the right people,” said Healy.
Resorts should work only with PCI-compliant payment processors and should never store full credit card numbers or banking details locally.
Action Step: Review your payment vendors’ compliance certifications and ensure all staff are trained on secure payment handling.
At Trinity, clients access their own data in real time through KOIOS, the company’s proprietary reporting platform. That visibility isn’t just good business—it’s good security.
“If you’re waiting for a monthly report to catch a mistake, you’re already too late,” said Guiant.
Resorts should make sure owners and board members have secure, timely access to account activity—both for transparency and for oversight.
Action Step: Use platforms that allow real-time access to payments, reservations, and account histories, and review them regularly with your board or management team.
For Trinity, data security isn’t a department—it’s a company-wide culture. Guiant and Healy insist that secure practices are part of every employee’s job description, from accounting to customer service.
“This isn’t about paranoia,” Guiant said. “It’s about respect—for your owners, your brand, and your future.”
Healy agreed. “Every resort should be asking their vendors tough questions: Where is my data stored? Who has access? How is it monitored? If they can’t answer clearly, that’s your answer.”
In the end, it’s not just about avoiding disaster. It’s about building trust, operational continuity, and a future-proof business model in a digital world.
“In vacation ownership,” said Guiant, “peace of mind is everything. And peace of mind starts with knowing your data is safe.”
How is the U.S. economy doing? It depends upon whom you ask. If you get…
Bill Ryczek’s analysis offers a sobering look at the economy: rising delinquency rates, shrinking borrowing…
Monterey Financial Services (MFS), a leading force in the consumer receivables industry, offering consumer finance…
RCI®, the world’s leading vacation exchange company, today announced expanded cruise and travel benefits, giving…
A Panel Surprise When I was asked to sit on a panel at a recent…
Capital Vacations, a leading provider of full-service management solutions for independent vacation ownership resorts, has…