Slotegrator’s guide to cybersecurity in the iGaming business: best practices for protecting your business

Online casinos are responsible for players’ money and personal data — two things hackers are always in the market for. Hacks can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, the complete shutdown of the company, or license revocation. In this article, we will examine the primary threats to operators and propose practical steps for establishing a reliable security system for your iGaming project.

Who hacks websites and why?

Most hackers are after one thing: money.

Sometimes the hacker aims to steal funds, and other times it’s another platform angling for a competitive advantage, but either way, the main motivation is almost always financial.

Often, cybercriminals will steal player databases and sell them, hack payment systems, or encrypt servers using ransomware and demand a ransom to restore access. These are classic hackers looking for any kind of target that can yield a payday.

They could also be competitors looking to gain an unfair advantage. These hackers may launch a DDoS attack during peak hours when the site is particularly busy, or hack the platform and place spam links on it that lead to their resources. Such actions can result in the loss of players and damage the site's reputation in search engines, which can be more detrimental in the long run than temporary downtime.

Regardless of the attackers’ motivations — pure theft, industrial espionage or simple extortion—the result is always the same: serious financial losses and reputational damage.

Common types of cyber attacks

Although hackers are constantly adding new methods to their arsenal, most cyber threats can be divided into a few basic categories.

Building effective protection requires understanding exactly how such attacks work. Each threat, from massive DDoS or brute force attacks to more complex SQL injections and phishing, requires its own method of prevention and elimination.

Port Scan Attacks

Hackers are always hunting for weak spots.

One of the most common methods is port scanning, which is often the first step in a cyberattack. Hackers use it to find weak links in your defenses and break into a system. The process can be fully automated, using bots to attempt to connect to random IP addresses, check for open ports, and guess passwords.

Imagine that your server is a house and the attacker is a thief who goes around jiggling windows, checking for keys under doormats and pot plants, and twisting doorknobs to see if they’re unlocked. And while you might welcome guests who come in through the front door with your permission, you're definitely not going to like an unexpected visit through the window.

Every server, like a regular computer, uses a variety of services that work through ports to communicate with the network. Some of these are necessary for websites or remote administration. However, others should be kept closed to ensure they are not accessible to unverified users.

The danger is that when a server is established, many services are enabled automatically, ports are left open, and default passwords are used. If a hacker comes across such a server, they can gain access to your data, or even root access — the maximum level of control over the system. In this case, the attacker will be able to steal files, install malware, or completely block your platform.

As port scanning is very well-known, so are the methods of protection against it. System administrators should be attentive, monitor open ports, and promptly close all unnecessary doors to keep the system securely protected.

Ransomware

Ransomware, a particularly pernicious type of cyberattack, is a major concern for cybersecurity specialists.

This malware encrypts files on a computer, rendering them inaccessible. Hackers employ methods which ensure that data cannot be decrypted without a specialized key. Victims are then asked to pay a ransom for the decryption key, which can be used to restore access to the information.

These attacks can leave the platform completely paralyzed until the data is decrypted. A notable example is an attack on SBTech in March 2020, during the company's merger with DraftKings.

SBTech's proprietary iGaming platform experienced a week-long outage. In addition to the loss of revenue and reputation, the company was compelled to revise the terms of the deal and invest an additional $30 million in a special fund to cover the consequences of the attack. The funds were allocated for various purposes, including the settlement of legal claims from numerous partners who experienced financial losses due to periods of inactivity.

DDoS attacks

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are simple, widespread, and range from a minor nuisance to a major catastrophe.

A DDoS attack is a bot-driven flood of traffic that aims to overload the target system, which can significantly slow down data exchange or even cause server failure. This problem has only grown in popularity over the years. Statistics on the growth of DDoS attacks in 2024 vary significantly depending on the source and geography, but there has been a marked increase compared to previous years. For example, according to StormWall, Q2 2025 showed a 108% annual increase in the number of DDoS attacks.

Attackers use large networks of infected computers, known as botnets. Given that the traffic does not originate from a single source but rather from a fleet of seemingly random machines, it is not possible to easily differentiate between DDoS bots and genuine users.

There are many different types of DDoS attacks, varying in technical implementation. Broadly speaking, these attacks can be classified as either infrastructure attacks or application attacks.

SQL injection and XSS

SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS) are both serious threats.

In an SQL injection attack, an attacker inserts malicious SQL code into a query to access a database. If it works, the attacker can access all of the data.

The main method of protection is to strictly verify all incoming data. Numeric values must be validated, and strings containing quotation marks, apostrophes, and other special characters must be escaped. This is done by adding a backslash before dangerous characters to prevent them from harming the system.

It is also important to consider server settings. Older versions of PHP sometimes automatically escape input. For proper protection, you must first remove these slashes and then apply the correct processing functions.

Another serious threat is cross-site scripting (XSS), where malicious JavaScript code is injected into a vulnerable website and executed in the user's browser as part of the legitimate page. Consequences can include theft of cookie files or data from forms, or use of infected accounts for DDoS attacks.

Protection against XSS must be comprehensive. Important measures include using SSL certificates to encrypt data, strictly verifying input information, and restricting use to secure protocols only. Data must be processed on both the server and the browser. Additional protection is provided by modern tools such as: Content Security Policy and ESLint.

Brute-force attacks

Brute force attacks are simple, effective, and live up to their name.

According to experts, these attacks account for approximately 5% of all successful cyberattacks. The principle is simple: attackers use programs and scripts that automatically cycle through millions of login and password combinations in order to bypass the authentication system and access account data.

Protecting against brute force attacks requires action from both users and administrators. Users should create strong passwords that avoid simple options, such as relatives' names or birth dates. The longer and more complex the password — incorporating letters of different cases, numbers, and special characters — the more secure it is. The key rule is to use a unique password for each account and avoid generic passwords like “admin,” “12345,” or the perennial poor choice, “password.”

Administrators, in turn, can significantly increase the level of protection. Effective measures include limiting failed login attempts and subsequently blocking the account temporarily, using CAPTCHA to filter out automated attacks, and implementing strict security policies that require users to regularly update complex passwords. The most reliable method is two-factor authentication, which requires additional confirmation via a second channel, such as an SMS code, to log in.

One-byte replacement hack

The single-byte replacement method exploits vulnerabilities within an algorithm. The attacker modifies the program code so that, regardless of the password entered, the program considers it correct. In this case, the solution lies with the developers. They need to strengthen and check algorithms to ensure that cryptographically secure methods are being used. Otherwise, attackers can use other methods to crack passwords.

Phishing

Phishing, roughly as old as the internet itself, is the classic technique of pretending to be someone you’re not. Hackers use phishing attacks to gain access to information or steal data. Phishing is usually considered a form of social engineering, as it relies on human error.

These attacks can target both your players and employees. For example, your players may receive a fake email that appears to be from you, asking them to “confirm” their personal information or credit card details. Alternatively, the email may offer a bonus that can be obtained by clicking on a link to the platform. However, the website it leads to is a copy, designed to deceive your players.

Your employees, in turn, may receive an email disguised as a message from a trusted partner, supplier, or someone within your company. The message may contain a malicious link or attachment that serves as a tool for further hacking.

In a classic tactic, the attacker pretends to be an IT manager or system administrator and asks an unsuspecting employee to share their login or password.

Cybercriminals can generate highly convincing fakes. The email will have a real email address in the "From" header, and the website will have the same design as yours and a similar URL.

Some phishing attacks specifically target business owners and senior executives. These emails are often personalized and typically attempt to convince the victim to transfer funds to an attacker's account or disclose sensitive internal information.

CMS and plugin vulnerabilities

Even the smallest weaknesses in content management systems (CMS) and plugins provide a hole in your defenses big enough for a cybercriminal to walk through.

A site may appear to be functioning normally, but an outdated plugin could contain a vulnerability that has been discussed on forums for some time. If a bot finds this weak spot and downloads a malicious script, the site will begin to send spam or redirect users to phishing pages.

Popular CMSs, such as WordPress, Joomla, and OpenCart, are at a higher risk of becoming targets simply because of their widespread use. Knowing the exact version of the software provides attackers with valuable information. They can quickly find known vulnerabilities and use ready-made exploits to hack in. The CMS core often becomes the target of attacks.

The main protection against such problems is updating the CMS and plugins to the latest versions in a timely manner. For websites based on popular CMSs, hosting with an automatic update feature is a reliable solution that helps keep the system up to date and reduces the risk of compromise.

Malicious content from users

If your website allows users to upload files, images, or videos, but lacks sufficient filters, someone will eventually upload a malicious file. Malware can be hidden in an image or PDF and spread from your domain. This will damage your website's reputation, especially if search engines or antivirus programs blacklist your site.

Unsecured connection

Without an SSL certificate, all data transmitted by a website is in plain text. This is especially risky when logging into the admin panel or filling out forms. An attacker can intercept the traffic, modify its content, or steal credentials. Using HTTPS is now mandatory, not optional.

How to protect your business

Cybercriminals are a serious threat. But they’re not all-powerful; there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Reliable website security is not based on a single, universal solution, but rather on a multi-layered system in which each measure complements and ensures the effectiveness of the others. This includes technical steps, such as choosing a hosting provider, implementing encryption, and performing software updates, as well as organizational measures, such as employee training and incident response plans. The key measures that every operator should implement are listed below.

1. Use an SSL certificate and HTTPS

First, connect an SSL certificate and transition the website to HTTPS, if you haven’t already done so. This ensures that all data between the server and the player's browser is encrypted, protecting logins, passwords, and payment details from interception. HTTPS is not only about security; it is also a factor of trust (as indicated by the lock icon in the browser). It is a prerequisite for search engines and payment services.

2. Select secure hosting service

Secure hosting is non-negotiable. A reputable provider should offer protection against DDoS attacks at the network level, regular automatic backups, a modern firewall, and round-the-clock technical support with experience in cybersecurity.

3. Strengthen access control and protect passwords

The majority of hacks are the result of inadequate controls. Passwords should be long, complex, and updated regularly. The optimal solution is two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds a second level of verification (e.g., a code from an SMS or app). It is essential to impose limitations on the number of login attempts and implement a role-based access model. This ensures that each employee is granted only the necessary permissions.

4. Always update CMS, plugins and themes

For websites running on popular content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, outdated plugins and themes present a significant risk.

Hackers constantly scan the internet in search of websites with known vulnerabilities in older software versions. Timely updates of all system components is one of the most effective ways to protect WordPress sites and other CMS platforms. Developers regularly identify weaknesses and release security patches that address them. Incorporate automatic update capabilities or establish a strict schedule of manual checks as part of your website's technical maintenance program.

5. Back up your website

Backups are the final line of defense in safeguarding data. In the event of a security breach, a recent backup enables swift restoration of your website. Please adhere to the “3-2-1” rule: three copies on two media, with one copy stored remotely. It is essential to regularly assess the integrity of your backup files and conduct periodic recovery tests to ensure their effectiveness.

6. Hide administrator directories

A useful step is to change the default login page address (e.g., /wp-admin). Bots usually attack default paths. A unique address reduces the number of hacking attempts and complements other measures, such as 2FA and login restrictions.

7. Ensure that your staff are trained

Even the most sophisticated cyberattacks often need a person to click on a link, download a file, or otherwise give the attacker access. Consequently, competent and trained staff can serve as a reliable safeguard against potential threats.

Employees who are aware of social engineering techniques are much less likely to fall for hackers' tricks. A well-defined plan of action is essential in the event of a DDoS attack or hack. This plan will enable your team to swiftly orient themselves, minimize damage, and effectively restore the system.

8. Penetration testing

The best way to make sure your iGaming platform is secure is to test it for resilience. Penetration testing, or pentesting, is when you ask cybersecurity experts to hack your website. If they succeed, you can strengthen the soft spot and protect yourself from a legitimate attack.

9. Make sure the law is on your side

Dealing with the aftermath of a cyberattack is challenging enough, but if you cannot depend on support from the authorities, the consequences can be even more severe.

Unlicensed operators engaged in illicit gambling activities represent a primary target for hackers. Cybercriminals may engage in data theft, extortion, and evasion of justice even in cases of exposure.

In certain instances, these hackers are even operating with government authorization.

Two Israeli cybersecurity companies, Security Joes and Profero, published reports claiming that five companies illegally promoting their services to Chinese citizens were the targets of coordinated cyberattacks. According to the report, this issue is connected to the Chinese government's ongoing efforts to combat illegal operators.

Checklist: what you can do today

Improving your website’s security isn’t just up to system administrators. Implementing these straightforward measures, which can be completed in a single evening, will substantially mitigate your risks.

• Change your passwords. Create different, complex passwords for your admin panel, database, email, FTP, and VPS panel. If your password contains personal information such as your date of birth or last name, change it immediately.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Add it wherever possible, such as in WordPress, the VPS panel, and FTP. Having additional code on your phone makes hacking much more difficult.
• Install an SSL certificate. You can do this directly in the hosting panel. Without HTTPS, browsers and search engines will not take your site seriously.
• Check your firewall. Ensure that UFW is functioning properly and that only the necessary ports are open: 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), and 443 (HTTPS). The rest should be closed.
• Configure Fail2ban and check the logs. Install Fail2ban on your VPS to protect yourself from brute force password attacks. Checking the blocked IP addresses is useful for understanding how many hacking attempts there have been.
• Update your CMS, plugins, and themes. If the system prompts you to update, back up your data and update. Old versions are the most common way to be hacked.
• Remove everything unnecessary. This includes inactive plugins, forgotten themes, and unnecessary files.
• Check user access. Ensure that each user only has the rights they need. Delete accounts belonging to people who have not worked for a long time.
• Set up regular backups. You can enable automatic copies in the hosting panel. Verify that backups are being created and that you know how to restore the site.
• Change the admin login address. In WordPress, for example, remove the standard wp-admin. There are plugins for this. For other CMSs, you can also change the path.
• Use external scanners to check the site. Use free services like Sucuri SiteCheck or VirusTotal to scan the site for malicious code or blacklists.
• Create a plan of action in case of a hack. Prepare instructions in advance for disabling the site, changing passwords, restoring from backup, checking logs, and contacting support. Having a plan in place will help you handle an emergency.

What to do if your website has already been hacked

Even with good protection, hacking can still occur. The main thing is not to panic, but to act according to plan. Here is a clear sequence of steps:

1. Block external access to the site.

Either enable the plug-in in the control panel or set up a redirect to the technical work page. This will prevent the spread of malicious code and data leakage.

2. Change all passwords.

Recreate everything: the admin panel, hosting, FTP, SSH, database, and email. Use unique and reliable combinations.

3.Restore the site using a clean backup.

If you have one, this is the fastest and safest method. After rolling back, update all components.

4. Check the files for malicious code.

Use scanners such as Sucuri or Quttera. Look for suspicious scripts or inserts in the templates.

5. Update your system.

Install the latest versions of the CMS, plugins, themes, and PHP. Hacking often occurs through outdated components.

6. Check links and redirects.

Ensure that your templates do not contain hidden links or redirects to third-party sites.

7. Check the server logs.

Determine the time and source of the attack, including the IP address, file, or vulnerability that was exploited.

8. Contact technical support.

If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, contact your hosting provider's support team. They will help you check the system and restore your website.

9. Let customers know if there have been any leaks.

Trying to hide the problem will only make it worse. Notify them and let them know that you’re on top of it.

10. Strengthen security.

After recovery, set new passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), check the firewall, update the security system, and set up regular updates.

How can Slotegrator help?

Partnerships with security-focused solution providers are extremely important. Slotegrator offers platform solutions equipped with a full set of tools to protect casinos and bookmakers.

The anti-fraud module in Slotegrator’s turnkey solution collects data on risky actions and suspicious activity in gambling projects to help manage risks and prevent fraud. This data is stored in a user-friendly database that allows operators to analyze it and receive notifications about any suspicious activity.

All gaming content available for integration with our APIgrator solution comes from reputable game developers, and the technologies used by solution providers are thoroughly tested for compliance with modern security standards.

For more information on how we protect our customers, please contact our team for a free business consultation.