Continent 8: Gambling industry facing “unprecedented threat” from cyberattacks

Continent 8 Technologies has warned the betting and gaming industry that it faces “an unprecedented threat” from a rise in cyberattacks.

In recent weeks, US giants MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment have faced online attacks, with the latter’s land-based operations severely impacted across 30 venues – including slot machines on casino floors being unusable.

Caesars said its data breach saw customers’ personal data stolen, including drivers’ licenses and social security numbers. Both operators are now recovering from the hacks.

At the start of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Michael Tobin, founder and CEO of Continent 8 Technologies, said that the looming threats of an attack are currently at an unprecedented high level.

Tobin remarked: “In the 25 years since Continent 8 was founded, the threat to the data, infrastructure and digital security of companies in the betting and gaming industry has never been higher.

“The scale and sophistication of these attacks is increasing year on year, so it’s critically important that organisations take a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, protecting themselves from the mix of complex threats facing businesses in today’s world,” he added.

Patrick Gardner, managing partner of C8 Secure, a Continent 8 company, called on companies to strengthen cybersecurity measures with the cost of data breaches entering the millions.

Gardner added: “With the average cost of a data breach reaching well into millions, and the gaming industry being a prime target, it’s crucial now more than ever for companies to bolster their cybersecurity measures.

“Both the online and land-based sectors must remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring protection of their data and infrastructure against increasingly evolving threats.”

Continent 8 Technologies is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year and recently announced a new office in India.