Cybersecurity in igaming
In this article, brought to you by SOFTSWISS, the software solutions company explains why igaming is a prime target for cybercriminals and outlines how to protect your business against evolving threats
Igaming has become a prime target for cybercriminals because of the substantial amounts of money and customer data involved. Unlike many other industries, cyberattacks in igaming focus on financial gain rather than stealing ideas or technology. This reality highlights the essential need for robust cybersecurity measures in the constantly evolving igaming landscape.
Evgeny Zaretskov, group chief information security officer for SOFTSWISS, says: “As the igaming industry grows, so does the sophistication of the threats it faces. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and we must stay ahead by implementing advanced security measures and remaining vigilant. At SOFTSWISS, our security strategy includes attracting top professionals, continuously educating our team, and proactively identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities.”
Main external attack vectors
Both individuals and organised criminal groups target igaming platforms. These attackers use advanced technology and social engineering, tricking employees to gain access and then fraudulently monetising it. Here are the most common attack vectors in the igaming industry:
DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks: These target both network and application layers, often during major sports events like the FIFA World Cup, Champions League finals or IPL matches. The goal is to disrupt service, causing customers to migrate to competitors’ sites.
Mass registrations: These occur for various reasons. Some affiliates try to earn rewards for each client they refer, while other attackers exploit sign-up reward systems or commit different types of fraud.
Brute-force attacks: Attackers use leaked databases to guess passwords or keys to gain access to profiles and withdraw money.
Hacking: Attackers search for vulnerabilities in applications to exploit them for profit.
How to resist attacks
Preventing and mitigating cyberattacks is the primary responsibility of the cybersecurity team. They respond to potential issues swiftly and professionally.
Artem Bychkov, head of application and product security at SOFTSWISS, notes: “We often aren’t aware of all the repelled attacks because our customised security tools and specific measures are automatically triggered. The barrier to entry into hacking has lowered due to the increased availability of information on the internet, leading to a rise in low-level attacks. Automated security systems handle such a volume of threats.
“Additionally, we constantly test our systems to ensure the security of the software used by our clients and operators. Our cybersecurity experts actively search for and resolve potential vulnerabilities. Therefore, when such hackers appear, they cannot hack anything.”
Cybersecurity is a complex and multifaceted field. Specialists often encounter sophisticated and resource-intensive attacks. Currently, the professional cyber community is focused on combating supply chain attacks, which target components used by developers such as libraries and third-party software. Attackers plant malware or backdoors into these components to access the finished product. Cybercriminals often create narrowly targeted viruses aimed at specific companies.
“To counter such threats, we prioritise security across all development stages, continually training our teams and rigorously vetting third-party software. This meticulous approach safeguards our software integrity, preventing exploits such as the manipulation of gaming algorithms. Each development cycle undergoes meticulous scrutiny by our product safety experts, ensuring the security and reliability of our software solutions,” Bychkov adds.
Three pillars of safety for any operator
Ensuring the security of casino operations involves employing secure software, training personnel, adhering to security best practices and conducting regular software audits. These measures are crucial for minimising cyberattacks and safeguarding both the business and its clients.
Bychkov explains: “At SOFTSWISS, we equip our clients with comprehensive recommendations. Firstly, we encourage the activation of essential platform features, such as captcha usage, to bolster security. Secondly, we advise employees and online casino administrators on best practices for protecting sensitive data.”
One of the most effective strategies is to conduct application penetration tests every six months or following significant updates.
He adds: “For clients utilising the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator and other services, we proactively conduct audits and security tests. We assume responsibility for the safety of our products and prioritise robust security measures to ensure a secure business environment for our clients.”
To learn more, clients and potential partners can book a meeting with SOFTSWISS representatives at the upcoming iGB L!VE event on 17-18 July.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing igaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop shop igaming software solutions.