The iGaming industry, a common term for websites offering real-money gambling services such as online casinos, poker sites, online sportsbooks/bookmakers, bingo and lottery sites, is one of several primary targets for cybercriminals. In recent months, we have seen the industry receive more than its fair share of attention from cybercrime organizations and syndicates, with the Nevada Gaming Control Board being among the worst hit – a poignant reminder of the cyber attacks of 2023 that impacted big names in the ‘offline’ casino world like MGM Resorts International.
Here is a closer look at why some of the world’s leading cyber attack groups often target leading iGaming businesses.
Why do hackers, fraudsters, scammers, cybercriminals, and other bad actors target iGaming businesses?
Since the iGaming industry first emerged in the mid-1990s, it has always been an attractive target for cybercriminals. Hackers can make millions from their nefarious activities with simple tools, the right software, and the know-how.
It’s a global multi-billion-dollar industry, and the hackers will do everything they can to get their piece of the pie, targeting anything from the lesser-known iGaming business with little or no protection to the globally renowned companies that everyone has heard of at some point with the best security.
If someone attempted to steal from a land-based casino in the past, it would often involve a robbery/heist, tampering with the slot machines, card-counting at the blackjack tables, or using counterfeit money. Today, things have changed.
When cybercriminals target well-established, market-leading iGaming, they try to use tactics such as DDoS (Dedicated Denial of Service) attacks and look to gain access to the website’s back end or individual players’ accounts to steal personally identifiable information (PII), preferred online payment method details, and other sensitive data.
All iGaming sites want to ensure their players’ data are secure and safe. This is true for all niches. Take the crypto niche, for instance – an emerging iGaming niche that’s attracting the attention of crypto users and iGaming players. The platforms aggregated on https://bitedge.com/, for instance, boast the same SSL encryption, robust payment methods, as well as licence and regulation.
Is it safe to play on iGaming sites, and how do operators protect themselves and their registered members from cyber criminals in 2024?
In 2024, playing on an iGaming site is perfectly safe, provided that a reputable operator controls the site and that it’s fully licensed and regulated by at least one or more mid- to top-tier licensing authorities.
The worst kind of iGaming sites that must be avoided at all costs are either completely unlicensed and regulated or have obtained their operating license from a bottom-tier authority that carries out little or no checks into an operator before handing them a license, unlike the top tier licensing authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
Some rogue iGaming sites have also been known to use the logo of a mid—or top-tier licensing authority on their website to make it appear as though they are licensed there when, in fact, they aren’t licensed there at all.
The easiest way for players to check that an online casino is licensed where it says it is, in this case, by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, is to go directly to the official licensing authority website to view a list of their current licensees.
Today’s most trusted operators also use 128-bit or higher Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to protect the websites, and they will have various other security measures in place to protect the website and each fully registered member’s account.
For example, the website URL address will always start with https://, and you can view more security information and certifications by clicking or tapping on the padlock icon (or similar icon) in your web browser when you visit the site.
How else do today’s most trusted iGaming website operators protect players?
Today’s most trusted operators also protect players in many other ways. For example, some sites use 2FA (two-factor authentication) as an added security measure or will have facial/voice recognition login features, which stops others from gaining unauthorised access to accounts.
They will only accept secure online payment processing gateways to ensure deposits and withdrawals cannot be hijacked or intercepted by cybercriminals. They will also comply with local and international data protection, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and fair play policies.
Most sites also expect you to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) account verification process, which prevents underage gambling and requires customers to prove they are who they say they are.
The KYC process also prevents multiple accounts from being opened on the same site by the same player and, therefore, eliminates things like bonus misuse. They will never send you correspondence (voice mails, emails, SMS text messages, etc.) asking for your password.
Final thoughts
There has never been a safer time than now to be an online casino player. Still, cybercriminals will always try to find a way into systems to steal highly sensitive data and people’s money, which is why cyber security measures are a top priority for leading iGaming operators worldwide.
They come under constant attack and must always be looking to use the latest cyber security tools and innovations to ensure no breaches occur on their websites.
Players should always think before signing up anywhere and stick to playing on well-established sites that have been around for ten or more years. These sites know how to protect their registered members.