Cybersecurity in the Casino Industry
For manufacturers in the casino sector, safeguarding against cybersecurity threats, especially ransomware attacks, is a crucial priority. Their strategies have adapted alongside their partners in the industry.
Discussion at TribalNet Conference
This topic was highlighted at the recent TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow in Reno. Patrick Tinklenberg, vice president of IT at Sycuan Casino in San Diego, emphasized its importance for casino operators.
Need for Enhanced Collaboration
Jon Wolfe, president of global systems and services at Light & Wonder, stated that the conversation surrounding cybersecurity must be more extensive, requiring closer collaboration between operators and manufacturers. He noted, “Historically, operators viewed cybersecurity as solely their issue; however, manufacturers must also take responsibility.”
Investing in Cybersecurity Training
Light & Wonder has been actively investing in training programs for its engineers, product managers, and quality-assurance teams. Wolfe emphasized that continuous training ensures security measures are ingrained in their products, enhancing cybersecurity resilience.
Importance of System Isolation
Jacob Lanning, IGT’s senior director of business development, stressed the significance of safeguarding gaming systems through isolation and technologies such as multi-factor authentication. He pointed out that outdated logins can be exploited through phishing attacks.
Cloud Benefits in Cybersecurity
Lanning also highlighted the advantages of operating in the cloud, citing that the IGT systems remained intact during a significant ransomware incident, showcasing the effectiveness of cloud-based solutions in maintaining operational resilience.
Building a Secure Environment
Ted Keenan from Aristocrat Interactive noted his company’s transparent security practices and third-party audits aimed at improving customer systems. This collaborative approach fosters partnerships with casino clients to enhance security measures.
Proactive Measures Against Threats
Chad Hoehne, CEO of Table Trac, discussed ongoing collaborations with cybersecurity experts to identify vulnerabilities. Their proactive approach has helped maintain operational stability even amidst numerous ransomware infections, ensuring patron data remains secure.
