This post will show how online gambling sites use technology to ensure player security.
More than 2,800 online casinos are operating across the world. This makes the industry extremely competitive. It also means that it’s a prime target for cyber-attacks. This is a major concern for players, so casinos that want to lead the way must pay close attention to the security of their operations.
As confirmed in an in-house data analysis made by cybersecurity experts, players look for security when choosing a casino.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at how serious the security threat is and how online casino brands are using technology to reduce the risks.
READ ALSO: Web Security Guide: Keeping Your Website Safe
Table of Contents
How Big Is The Security Risk To Online Casinos?
As many as 30,000 websites are hacked every day, across the globe. So, it’s clear that cyber-security is a major issue across all industries. This is no different for online casinos, especially given the growing number of these sites online.
This was highlighted earlier this year when ZDNet reported the news of Chinese hackers targeting betting sites in Southeast Asia.
The group began its activities in the summer of 2019 and interfered with the security of several websites in the industry.
In addition to the activities in Southeast Asia, there were rumors that the hackers were also active in Europe and the Middle East. This is just one example of how big the threat is. For this reason, online casinos are embracing technology to remain secure.
READ ALSO: Top 5 Cybersecurity Breaches In Online Gambling Industry
The Technology Used To Keep Online Casinos Secure
Given the threat from cyber-criminals, it’s not surprising that online casinos are using technology to help them keep their websites secure. Let’s look at how three types of technology are being used.
1. Blockchain technology
Casinos were originally slow to use blockchain technology in their operations. However, since the retail industry started to embrace technology, online gambling sites have begun to follow suit.
Once the blockchain has been created, it cannot be changed using a string of numbers. This helps to protect it against hackers. Overall, blockchain's decentralized and transparent nature makes it more difficult for a casino’s security to be compromised.
2. Cloudflare
The content delivery network (CDN) Cloudflare does not wish to disclose which online casino companies are using their platform, but we know, based on a /cdn-cgi/trace/, that online casinos commonly use Cloudflare. One of the main reasons for this is the security and performance services it provides.
This includes protection from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and the provision of a web application firewall (WAF). The security provision also includes IP Access Rules and Zone Lockdown. Having all these measures available in one place is a valuable benefit to online gambling sites that want to protect player security.
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3. 128 and 256-bit encryption
These encryption methods turn players’ personal and financial information into strings of unbreakable code. This provides an extra level of security and is the same encryption that financial institutions use. Casino sites with encryption have https at the start of their website name.
READ ALSO: Do Casinos Need Cyber Security?
Keeping it Safe While You Play: Online Gambling Security FAQs
Online gambling can be exciting, but security is paramount. Here are some FAQs to shed light on how technology safeguards players in the online gambling world:
How secure are online casino games?
Reputable online gambling sites use various technologies to ensure game fairness and security:
- Random Number Generators (RNGs): These are algorithms that produce unpredictable results, mimicking the randomness of physical games (dice rolls, card shuffles). Independent auditors regularly test RNGs to ensure fairness.
- Encryption: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption scrambles data transmitted between your device and the casino server. This protects your sensitive information like login credentials and financial transactions.
How do online casinos prevent cheating?
Online casinos employ several measures to deter cheating:
- Account verification: Most sites require ID verification to help prevent underage gambling and money laundering.
- Game monitoring: Sophisticated software can detect suspicious betting patterns that might indicate cheating.
- Security protocols: Firewalls and intrusion detection systems safeguard the casino's servers from unauthorized access.
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How do I know if an online gambling site is secure?
Look for these signs of a secure online gambling site:
- Licensing: The casino should be licensed by a reputable gambling authority.
- HTTPS: The website URL should begin with “HTTPS” indicating a secure connection with encryption.
- Third-party audits: Look for information about independent audits of the casino's RNGs and payout percentages.
- Positive player reviews: Research online reviews from other players to gauge the casino's reputation.
What are the most secure payment methods when gambling online?
Here are some generally secure payment options for online gambling:
- E-wallets: Services like PayPal or Skrill offer an extra layer of security as you don't share your financial information directly with the casino.
- Credit cards: Many reputable online casinos use secure payment gateways that encrypt your credit card details. However, be mindful of potential credit card fraud and use cards with good security features.
READ ALSO: Top 5 Ways Online Casinos Secure Their Customer Information
How are online payments secure?
Many online gambling sites utilize secure payment processors that adhere to industry standards like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). This helps protect your financial information during transactions.
A Final Word
As the online casino industry continues to grow, so will the number of cyber-criminals who want to attack related sites.
READ ALSO: Web Security Guide
This means that casinos will continue to be vigilant and use the latest technology to protect themselves and their players against the threat. Check out the 4 Benefits Of Mobile Casinos.
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About the Author:
Marie Beaujolie is a computer network engineer and content writer from Paris. She is passionate about technology and exploring new ways to make people’s lives easier. Marie has been working in the IT industry for many years and has a wealth of knowledge about computer security and best practices. She is a regular contributor for SecureBlitz.com, where she writes about the latest trends and news in the cyber security industry. Marie is committed to helping people stay safe online and encouraging them to take the necessary steps to protect their data.
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
