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1. Microsoft warns hackers are targeting hotel Wi-Fi
Microsoft has put out a warning to travelers about Russian security-linked hackers targeting public Wi-Fi networks at hospitality venues, ABC News reports. Microsoft said those responsible are Storm-2945, a "sub-cluster" of a group called Midnight Blizzard, which has been linked to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service.
The hackers target hotels and other hospitality venues, targeting people connected to Wi-Fi networks with guest logins, or captive portals. The users are then asked to download files that actually include malware to collect browser cookies, passwords, documents and more. They are then able to capture keystrokes, screenshots and audio and video and operate the user's device remotely. Users may also be redirected to fake login screens, allowing hackers to access the users' Microsoft 365 account.
Microsoft has urged caution when using guest Wi-Fi networks at hotels, conferences, airports and other venues, ABC reports. It said users should turn to private options, such as phone hotspots.
2. US has refunded $100 billion in tariffs
The U.S. government has refunded about $100 billion it collected in tariffs that were later ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Guardian reports.
President Donald Trump has since imposed new tariffs on more than 80 countries last month to replace a 10% global duty that was going to expire, introducing them under section of the Trade Act of 1974 aimed at forced labor.
A group of 25 states is suing the federal government, however, saying the new tariffs are a ploy to replace the ones ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
3. Travel demand in China finding a 'new balance'
There's a mixed outlook for travel demand in China as there's overall disappointment in the the level of travel during a recent holiday period while some markets and segments continue to to perform well.
"There are some adjustments [for our expectations] in some cities, but overall it's continuing the trend as we expected it to be," STR's regional vice president in the Asia-Pacific region Jesper Palmqvist said in an interview on the "CoStar News Hotels" podcast hosted by Sean McCracken.
Travel overall remains a bright spot for China, but the country is finding a "new balance," Palmqvist said.
4. Heatwave doesn't deter Asian travel demand for Europe
Despite record-breaking temperatures across Europe, interest in visiting the continent has risen among Asian travelers, CNBC reports.
Edmund Ong, senior regional director of Southeast Asia at Trip.com, told CNBC that searches for European destinations grew 57% year over year for the July to August travel season. Conversions from searching to booking also increased.
The most popular destinations by booking volume continue to be France, Italy and Spain. Flight bookings to Southern and Northern Europe grew by more than 30% year over year, however, and hotel bookings doubled in Northern Europe.
5. US job openings down slightly in June
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that employers posted 7.36 million job vacancies in June, a decrease from 7.54 million the month before, according to the Associated Press.
The AP reports that openings grew by 97,000 at warehouses, transportation and utility companies. They also increased by 39,000 at federal agencies. The number of openings decreased at wholesalers and manufacturers of nondurable goods.
Layoffs remained largely unchanged at 1.8 million. The number of people who quit their jobs grew by a little.