Hyatt hotel chain warns customers to check accounts after malware discovery sparks hacking fears

The Hyatt hotels chain has warned customers to check their accounts for unauthorized charges after finding a malicious software in its IT systems.

The Chicago-based company, which has 627 properties in 52 countries, said it had recently identified malware on computers that operate the processing systems for the locations it manages.

It follows a string of cyber security attacks on major businesses in the last year, including infidelity dating website Ashley Madison, T-Mobile, TalkTalk, Wetherspoons and Vtech.

Hyatt said it launched an investigation as soon as it found the activity and brought in cyber security experts to assess the threat.

Steps have already been taken to shore up security and "customers can feel confident using payment cards at Hyatt hotels worldwide".