Online gambling has exploded into popularity, but like everything related to the internet and World Wide Web, this industry is also vulnerable to many security threats. An alarming number of online criminals are out on the hunt for that easy payday.
Those who participate in online gaming need to be very cautious because it calls for transferring money over the internet and interacting with various types of software. The major threats to online gambling discussed in this article are adware, spyware, and phishing.
Also, we will share some security checklists you should know before using any online gambling platform.
Biggest Threats to Online Gambling Security
These are the major threats to online gambling security:
Ad-firing, Snooping Malware
Two of the most common forms of malicious software, adware and spyware, are pretty similar, but there’s a notable difference. In general, adware programs are designed to display advertisements on your computer screen. While spyware often does the same but mainly seeks to spy on your computing patterns and transmit that data to remote sources.
While such programs could result in subtle annoyances and degraded system performance, they can also lead to much bigger problems that render your PC inoperable or put your identity in grave jeopardy.
So, what do these malicious programs have to do with your online gaming endeavors? When doing business with an internet casino site, you are essentially running the risk of downloading something that appears to be a gaming platform but is indeed a dangerous program with the intent to harm you or your computer.
Phishing Traps
Phishing has become one of the most common and detrimental threats to internet users. The term describes a scam where you receive a seemingly legitimate email from a company you have already used.
Well-known companies used as phishing bait have names, such as eBay, PayPal, etc. Upon opening the message, you will typically find that the sender asks you to click a provided link and enter your details on a website.
The tone of the email is usually one of urgency, a ploy used to persuade you into acting fast and handing over your sensitive information. The trick is when you click on the link, you will be directed to a rogue website that looks just like the site of the company the scam artist is purporting to be.
Recognition and Protection
Although recognizing these threats can be difficult, there’s a way to protect yourself. You can start by purchasing and installing a reliable anti-virus software program on your computer. Remember to invest in a solution that protects against viruses and other forms of malware such as adware, spyware, and Trojan horses.
Regarding phishing, you should know that legitimate companies like eBay or PayPal will never approach you in such a manner. They will never suggest that you submit sensitive details over an insecure email system.
The best way to elude phishing scams is to never click on any link in a suspicious email or avoid the message entirely. If you didn’t initiate the contact, it’s probably a sign that a scam artist is trying to bait you into a trap.
Online Casino Security Checklist
No player wants to worry about the security of their financial information when gambling online. It’s especially the case if you consider that deposits and withdrawals are major elements of the process. So, the question is: just how safe is it to gamble online? Very safe, just as long as you know what to look for in an internet casino and avoid all the unnecessary risks.
Although you may deal with a few sites that take weeks to pay out your winnings, rarely will you encounter those that put you in a precarious position that leads to fraud or identity theft. There are still a few casino sites that are not regulated and adequately protected against security threats.
These are websites you don’t want to use. Looking out for your best interest, we have composed a short checklist you should refer to ensure safe and secure online casino gaming.
SSL Digital Encryption
Every respectable online casino utilizes at least 128-bit SSL encryption to provide a high level of security for electronic transactions that occur over the web. Because of its efficiency, SSL has become the industry standard, a technology used by the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, retail stores, and e-commerce sites.
To quickly verify this security, you can check for signs of a valid SSL certificate on the casino’s website.
World-class Payment Options
The flexibility and security of online casino transactions can be greatly enhanced when the site deals with established banking vendors and payment services. So, you should choose a casino that offers support for as many of the following options as possible.
- Credit Cards (Mastercard and Visa)
- Debit Cards (Mastercard, Visa, Visa Electron, Maestro)
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Ukash
- PaySafeCard
- Moneybookers
- EcoCard
- Entropay
- Direct Bank Transfer
Fraud Detection and Verified Banking
One can never be too cautious when dealing with online casinos. For this reason, making sure the casino utilizes advanced anti-fraud technology and thoroughly verifies bank transactions is a must.
One of the first things you should do is verify whether the site uses a legitimate financial transaction company. For instance, if you look into reputable casinos, you will find that these sites process their transactions through reputable brands such as Eproc Ltd, Mezzanine West, Hadfield House, Library Street, and Gibraltar.
Casinos powered by Cryptologic, Microgaming, and Playtech software platforms usually offer a high level of security, but it’s always good to double-check their credentials.
Absolute Confidentiality
Securing your banking information should be the number one priority when you decide to gamble online. That’s why you should never underestimate the possibility of a casino passing on your personal data to a third-party source.
A staggering number of players have been victimized by online fraud and identity theft because they didn’t consider this threat. Furthermore, unless you want to be bombarded with spam messages and endless sales calls, making sure the online casino offers 100% confidentiality should be another top priority on your list.
Featured Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash
