No business is immune to cyber threats, a fact underscored by the recent ‘Mother of All Breaches’ impacting global websites and social networks. Additionally, the iGaming sector periodically faces its own set of separate attacks, highlighting the universal vulnerability across industries.
Evgeny Zaretskov, Group Chief Security Officer at SOFTSWISS, notes:
“Regrettably, internet users have become accustomed to periodic data leaks, affecting both small entities and giants like medical services, banks, messengers, social networks, or password storage systems. Data breaches have become a prevalent occurrence, creating a perception that companies are seemingly powerless to safeguard the data of their valued customers.”
The iGaming industry strongly emphasises cybersecurity to mitigate significant potential losses, learning from past attacks in various sectors.
Evgeny Zaretskov has shared fundamental lessons with us:
1. Adapting to Rapidly Evolving Cyber Threats
As technology progresses and cyber attackers refine their methods, cybersecurity must rely on comprehensive strategies and include adaptable plans subject to regular review, ensuring they remain effective against evolving threats.
2. The Imperative of Internal Vigilance
Increasingly, problems are not caused by the external impacts that companies try to protect themselves against first. They stem from illicit actions, oversights, or mistakes of employees and occasionally from motives like seeking extra profit or expressing disagreement with company policies. Robust internal security measures and a culture of constant vigilance within organisations are therefore essential.
3. Prioritise Response and Business Continuity
Security effectiveness also depends on how quickly and effectively a response is initiated in the event of an incident to minimise its impact and consequences. In addition to implementing and regularly updating advanced cybersecurity tools and measures, it is critical to manage incidents in real time and to have robust backup and recovery plans in place and systematically tested. In case of a cybersecurity incident, it aims to restore services for clients swiftly.
4. Investing in Advanced Skills and Continuous Learning
Building a team with advanced technical skills and a commitment to continuous learning is paramount in the dynamic cybersecurity landscape. This will ensure cybersecurity professionals can adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape and effectively address emerging challenges.
5. Proactive Communication and Transparency After Cyber Incidents
Prompt and transparent communication about cybersecurity incidents to the public is crucial for user safety. Effective information sharing allows users to take immediate protective measures, like changing their passwords, preventing intruder access, and mitigating potential risks.
Adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach that addresses internal and external threats is vital to enhancing digital security and safeguarding stakeholders in the cyber world.