Cyber Threats and How Good Cyber Security Practices Keep Online Gambling Safe
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As long as casinos have been in business, people have tried to manipulate, cheat, or steal their way to a big payday. Even the is on constant watch for would-be attackers.
Most casino patrons only see the bright lights, fun atmosphere, and glamor of a casino. But behind the scenes, it’s a constant battle against forces trying to outsmart on-site security as well as law enforcement.
The online casino and gaming industry is no different! But instead of security guards and constant surveillance, a strict cyber security program keeps attackers at bay. But that doesn’t mean hackers and other online attacks are not still a threat.
Here are some things to watch out for and how good cyber security practices can mitigate the risks.
Hijacking Accounts
Getting your account hijacked is just as it sounds. An attacker gains unauthorized access to your account to access sensitive data or perform other nefarious acts.
One of the most common reasons attackers gain access to an account is poor password practices. When deciding on a password, create a long and unique word that contains uppercase, lowercase, and special characters.
Another method often used by attackers is fake emailing or phone calls asking for account information then directing you to links to input your account credentials. In cyber security language, this is a practice known as phishing and social engineering and can be highly convincing. But don’t fall for it!
Whenever you get any emails or phone calls asking you to log into your account, be sure to go directly to the casino’s official website to log in, so your accounts stay safe and secure. Always be suspicious of callers asking for information and always do your due diligence on links in emails.
Insider Threats
Insider threat refers to employees inside the organization with access to sensitive information. These people are in a position of trust the same way a bank teller would. They have access to money and sensitive client information that could be damaging should it be leaked.
For an online casino to operate, controls must be in place to monitor and sound alarms if any suspicious activity is detected. Many large organizations use “User Behavioral Analytics” to find anomalies in their employees’ behavior. UBA software will flag them and investigate the occurrence if they are suddenly performing actions they would not typically take.
Moving Money
Like brick and mortar casinos, online gaming is a big target for money launderers and fraudsters to “clean their cash” by taking stolen funds and gambling with it in a casino, online, or in person. Another common practice is depositing stolen credit cards into an online account.
A casino practicing safe security to industry standards will have software and other tools to monitor for suspicious or fraudulent behavior. User behavioral analysis can also identify anomalies on a user-to-user basis. This plays a big role in helping organizations detect fraud and money laundering occurring on their platforms.
Ransomware
Ransomware is not only an issue for online gambling websites but for literally every company that has a presence online. Ransomware works by malicious programs executing on a computer and encrypting everything while charging a ransom to get the data back.
The best advice for avoiding this is to be extra cautious when opening and downloading links or attachments. Additionally, always keep your systems up to date with the current software updates. These steps alone can help prevent ransomware and many other security threats online.
Fair Gaming
When choosing the online casino that best suits your needs, it is crucial to ensure they are a trusted organization with a reputable history.
We have seen situations in the past where sketchy online gaming sites have made attempts to manipulate their games unfairly, cheating customers out of their money by rigging games. So always be sure to do your research before signing up!
Online Casinos are Safe
They say nothing is 100% safe in the cyber security world unless you cut the power and unplug your computer from the wall. But the reality is, when operating to standards, an online casino is as safe as a bank. Follow good cyber security practices and play games worry-free when gambling online.
