Navigating Credential Stuffing in iGaming

In our previous  , we explored how account fraud has emerged as a pressing concern - but what other threats do platforms and users face in an increasingly digital gaming landscape?

A significant cybersecurity risk that faces iGaming platforms is credential stuffing - using stolen account credentials to access accounts across multiple websites. These types of attacks pose significant challenges to the security and integrity of iGaming platforms, and while the industry continues to expand and online gaming becomes a more significant part of the global gaming market, it is crucial that companies take steps to protect their users.

According to Chris Blake, Director, and Principal Data Protection & Privacy Consultant, “online gaming platforms collect and store a significant amount of sensitive user data, including personal information and payment details. Ensuring robust cyber security measures is essential to protect this data from unauthorised access, theft, or exploitation. If you do not subject your gaming business to regular security testing, then your business is not deemed by regulators to be secure and compliant - no matter which other security controls you may have implemented.”

As a growing segment of the gaming industry, with the growth of iGaming comes an increased risk of cyber threats like credential stuffing. Here are some important aspects of these attacks to keep in mind to safeguard users, their assets, and your reputation.

What Is credential stuffing?

Credential stuffing is a type of cyber attack where attackers use stolen usernames and passwords to gain unauthorised access to user accounts on online platforms. The attackers compile lists of credentials, obtained from data breaches or leaks, and then use automated tools to try these combinations on other websites or services. The Global Privacy Assembly’s International Enforcement Working Group (IEWG) has identified credential stuffing as a significant and growing cyber threat to personal information.

The goal of credential stuffing is to exploit the fact that many users reuse the same username and password across multiple accounts. By testing these stolen credentials on various websites, attackers can potentially gain access to a significant number of accounts, which they can then use for various malicious purposes ranging from identity theft and fraud to further data breaches.

In the context of iGaming, where users create accounts to participate in online gambling and betting activities, credential stuffing presents a significant threat as attackers systematically test stolen credentials against login pages of gaming platforms.

Credential stuffing in iGaming

Since iGaming platforms often require users to create accounts and input personal information, they become attractive potential targets for credential stuffing attacks. But what is it that makes iGaming platforms so vulnerable to credential stuffing?

• The ever-present threat of data breaches: iGaming platforms, like any online service, can be subject to data breaches where user account information may be stolen. These credentials can then be used in credential stuffing attacks not only on the platform itself but also on other online services.
• User behaviour and the presence of sensitive information: Gaming platforms typically require users to create accounts with usernames, passwords and other information. If users reuse these credentials across multiple accounts, which unfortunately is common behaviour, their credentials become not only valuable but also relatively easy targets for attackers engaged in credential stuffing.
• Significant monetary value: iGaming accounts often hold monetary value, as users may have deposited funds for gambling purposes. Accessing these accounts will allow attackers to steal funds or otherwise use the accounts for fraudulent activities.

While credential stuffing attacks can target a wide range of online services, iGaming platforms can be particularly vulnerable due to the financial incentives involved and the prevalence of reused credentials among users. Therefore, it's crucial for iGaming operators to implement robust security measures to protect against such attacks and safeguard their users' accounts and funds.

How regular security testing safeguards against credential stuffing

By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors, cybersecurity testing plays a crucial role in protecting iGaming platforms against credential stuffing attacks.

Regular security testing helps mitigate the risks in the following ways:

• Identification of Weaknesses: Through security testing methodologies such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, iGaming platforms can identify weaknesses in their systems that could potentially be exploited in credential stuffing attacks.
• Simulating attacks: By simulating attacks, testers can determine whether the platform's login mechanisms adequately protect against account takeovers. This assessment helps identify areas for improvement.
• Detection of Suspicious Activities: Security testing can help businesses detect and respond to suspicious activities indicative of attacks. By monitoring login attempts and analysing patterns of behaviour testers can identify anomalous activities, and this early detection enables platforms to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of credential stuffing attacks.
• Ongoing tests after implementing mitigation measures: After implementing security measures to address identified vulnerabilities, businesses can validate the effectiveness of these measures through ongoing security testing. By conducting follow-up penetration tests and vulnerability scans, platforms can verify that the implemented controls successfully mitigate the risks associated with credential stuffing and other cyber threats.

In the dynamic and evolving landscape of iGaming, safeguarding against credential stuffing attacks is paramount to maintaining the safety, trust and confidence of players. Through proactive security testing methodologies, operators are able to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

By investing in robust security measures and adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, gaming platforms can mitigate the risks associated with credential stuffing, protect user accounts and sensitive data, and uphold the integrity of their operations in an increasingly digital world.

Visit our iGaming page for more information on what we can do to help your business stay secure and compliant.