In today’s digital landscape, the threat of cybercriminals gaining control over online casinos, sports betting platforms, and other digital gambling entities is on the rise. A recent report by Check Point Cyber Security highlighted that 90% of breached companies had their corporate credentials leaked in a stealer log, allowing attackers an easy foothold into their systems.
Infostealers, the stealthy malware programs behind these attacks, are designed to extract sensitive data from infected endpoints such as laptops, desktops, or mobile devices. They target privileged credentials, browser artifacts, session cookies, and local files to gain access to back-office systems and critical server details. Once obtained, these “digital keys” are either sold on the dark web or used immediately to breach corporate networks, posing a significant threat to iGaming operators who rely on uninterrupted operations and trust.
The iGaming sector is now facing a new wave of infostealer campaigns that target core back-office infrastructure, posing several risks to operators:
– Unauthorized access to privileged applications, which can lead to manipulation of odds, fund siphoning, or disruption of live games.
– Operational downtime and ransomware threats, where attackers can halt critical services or encrypt entire environments, demanding ransom payments.
– Exploiting crypto payment integrations, enabling criminals to tap into crypto payout modules and transfer funds to external wallets swiftly and untraceably.
Moreover, even brief intrusions can damage player confidence and invite regulatory scrutiny, affecting the trust and brand integrity of iGaming operators in a competitive market.
To combat these threats, iGaming operators can adopt several defense strategies:
1. Restrict high-level access to critical infrastructure.
2. Combine multi-factor authentication with endpoint and network checks.
3. Mandate secure devices for administrative tasks.
4. Deploy real-time Extended Detection and Response monitoring.
5. Implement dark web monitoring for leaked credentials.
6. Utilize Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response for 24/7 incident response.
7. Promote safe software and device practices among employees.
8. Conduct infostealer-focused training sessions.
9. Engage in industry-wide collaboration to share threat intelligence and defensive measures.
By implementing these strategies, iGaming operators can minimize the risk of infostealer-driven breaches and ensure business continuity. Collaboration, advanced threat intelligence, and proactive defenses are crucial in staying ahead of attackers and safeguarding digital infrastructure. Together, with a united effort and continuous improvement of security measures, the iGaming sector can thwart covert attacks before they cause significant disruptions and protect the integrity of the industry.