Protecting the house: Cybersecurity in the casino industry
The online casino industry has experienced a huge spike in popularity in recent years, mainly because of advancements in technology as well as the widespread accessibility of mobile phones and internet connection. With this global interest in virtual gambling activities, the issue of safety and security has cropped up as visitors are expected to hand over their personal details before playing. So, let’s explore how casino operators are using cybersecurity to make safer online gambling experiences.
Cybersecurity measures are being consistently relied upon by online casino providers as more people flock to online platforms. There are many casino sites offering bonuses to players when they sign up, which a lot of players take advantage of. This means that players then provide the casino site with sensitive information such as their address and bank account information, all relating to their personal identity.
If there is a data breach, this information can easily get into the wrong hands which can diminish trust with customers and lead to them never returning to the site. This could lead to fraudulent purchases which can be frustrating for the customer who may have to spend hours of their time trying to solve the issue. For online casino providers, it damages their reputation, leading to a drop in customer visits and revenue.
Online threats
Nowadays, there are many threats that persist with online gambling. For instance, hacking, app-based hacking, ransomware, DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks and more are an ever-present danger. However, casino sites are dedicated to making sure their sites are safe and protected through the use of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity refers to the processes and technologies orchestrated to protect networks, devices and data from unauthorised access of cyberattacks from hackers and fraudsters. This entails many different strategies to create a secure gaming environment for players.
How casino sites remain secure
Casino operators have already embraced cyber security measures to safeguard their players. By implementing zero trust segmentation and lateral movement protection, organizations can more easily detect and respond to suspicious activities within their networks. Years ago, online gambling operators found it difficult to understand the origin of these activities, making it harder for them to solve them. However, as they are now flagged up, it means that they can catch hackers without delay, protecting their customers and themselves in the process.
Online casino operators also use firewalls as a defence against hackers. These firewalls act as a virtual barrier, making it less likely for hackers to gain access to the casino’s servers and therefore, customer’s sensitive data and betting histories. Firewalls pick up on suspicious spikes in traffic which could be indicative of hackers gaining entry into a site. These individuals can be blocked quickly, thwarting phishing attempts in the process. Online casinos also use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to keep customer’s information safe. It scrambles your data, like login details and payments, so hackers can’t read it. This makes sure your personal details stay private and secure. Players are also given the option to use two-factor authentication to log into their accounts. This means that they can’t simply log on with their password. Instead, they’ll have to enter a code sent to their mobile device that’s linked to their account, adding an extra layer of security.
A look to the future
In the future, online casinos can do more to protect players who are visiting their platforms. For example, artificial intelligence is gaining speed, making it easier to detect hacking attempts. On top of this, by carrying out regular updates of their systems, they will be able to get an insight into the frequency and origins of attacks, helping them to stop new threats. They could also offer resources and information to customers to teach them more about how to protect themselves.
For those who like to engage in casino activities online, there are also ways to protect yourselves online. For example, using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication when available, and being cautious about sharing personal information are crucial steps in protecting oneself. It’s also important to be aware that some online casinos can be fraudulent, engineered to gain your personal information like your financial details. In order to differentiate between those platforms that are legitimate and those that aren’t, it’s a good idea to see if they are displaying a licensing certificate on their site. This can be an indication that they’re properly regulated and legal, meaning they can be trusted. It’s also worth checking the reviews left on that specific site. If it has no reviews or negative reviews, it’s a red flag that you should be cautious.
Casino operators are constantly integrating cyber security measures into their platforms to prevent player’s data from cyberattacks. From zero trust segmentation to multi-factor authentication, players have more confidence when visiting online casinos, with less worries about being hacked. So, if you want to play your favourite games online safely, try out an online casino that uses cybersecurity for a safer experience.
