Risks of Sharing Personal Data Online and How to Avoid Them

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The internet has opened up a world of possibilities and convenience but it has also created new risks regarding personal privacy and data security. This is especially true when it comes to online gambling sites and apps. While playing your favorite casino games from your phone or laptop is exciting, you need to be aware of the potential threats and take measures to better safeguard your personal information.

Dangers of Data Breaches

All online businesses face security threats from hackers and cybercriminals looking to steal valuable customer data. Unfortunately online platforms, like RollXO, are especially vulnerable. In fact, security experts have called the gambling industry the “soft underbelly” of cybercrime. Unlike banks and other financial institutions that keep security updated as a top priority, many gaming sites lack adequate protections. For example, a 2018 cyberattack on the online casino group GVC Holdings exposed the personal information and partial credit card numbers of over 110,000 customers.

Even well-known, reputable casino brands are successfully targeted. In 2019, hackers were able to access a cloud server used by the British company 888 Casino. The breach leaked account details of over 120,000 players, including names, email addresses, phone numbers and login credentials. While 888 Casino claimed that full payment data was not exposed, customers were still put at tremendous risk of fraud.

Why You Should Be Concerned

The consequences of such personal information falling into the wrong hands can be severe. Identity thieves armed with your name, contact information and partial financial data can impersonate you and apply for loans or credit cards in your name, potentially destroying your credit and finances before you even realize what’s happened.

Criminals may also use passwords obtained in casino data breaches to access more sensitive accounts, such as your email, social media or even online banking profiles. Once they have access to an email account, they can potentially reset passwords and take over virtually any other online account associated with that address.

You may also become the victim of targeted hacking attempts, spam emails or threatening fraud schemes asking for money. For example, fraudsters could send emails demanding payment in Bitcoin to prevent the release of sensitive information or embarrassing details about your casino activity and spending habits.

How Online Casinos Put Your Data at Risk

So why are online casinos prone to data security compromises compared to other businesses? There are a few key reasons:

• Poor Encryption Standards – Many gaming sites fail to use adequate SSL/TLS encryption or securely hash/salt password storage. This leaves user data and account credentials vulnerable to hackers.

• Neglected Security Updates – Ignoring necessary software patches and security upgrades on backend servers and networks makes exploits easier. Updates may also disrupt services so casinos often delay or overlook them.

• Too Much Data Collection – Over collecting personal user information instead of minimizing data gathering expands the jackpot for hackers. Most casinos request far more personal data at signup than needed.

• Underfunded Cybersecurity Teams – Many operators invest too little in cybersecurity personnel and protections compared to potential risks. Instead they focus funds on new games, bonuses and marketing to attract players.

How to Better Protect Your Data

While forcing casinos to upgrade security should not fall on customers, there are still important steps you can take:

1. Use Unique Passwords
Never reuse the same password across multiple sites. Otherwise one breach leaves all your accounts vulnerable. Use a unique, complex password for every casino site.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
When available, enable 2FA on your casino account. This adds an extra login step requiring you to input a random secure code from your phone or email.
So even if a criminal has your password, they cannot access the account.

3. Use E-Wallet Services
Signing up with intermediary e-wallet services like ecoPayz, Neteller or Skrill adds another layer of data security between you and the casino. Funds remain secure in your e-wallet account instead of a credit card.

4. Limit Shared Information
Be cautious when entering personal data on casino forms. Avoid handing over more than the minimum details necessary for gameplay. Setting strict privacy settings also helps.

5. Monitor Your Accounts and Credit
Keep close watch over all your financial accounts and credit reports for signs of suspicious activity. Report any unapproved charges or unusual activity immediately. Enabling credit report monitoring services can also help expose problems early.

Gambling online comes with inevitable privacy and security risks. But following these best practices reduces your exposure by keeping sensitive data away from casinos as much as possible. Paying close attention to account activity and credit reports also helps quickly identify potential misuse of information.

While expecting flawless security from casino brands may be unrealistic, customers should still demand improved safeguards from these highly profitable operators. For now, understand the real dangers exist and take personal responsibility by minimizing unnecessary data access. Carefully managing your digital footprint limits damages should another major casino breach occur.