Tuesday, July 14, 2015

WhiteSand Gaming to Fight High-Tech Poker Cheats and Casino Cheats

I just received this email from WhiteSand Gaming on how they are promising better casino security at their properties. Have a read and see what you think.

The recent data breach into Hard Rock Casino Hotel in Las Vegas that may have lasted over seven months highlights the significant exposures that exist not only from remote access but from wireless access points within the casino hotel itself.  Casino Hotels remain a prime target for many reasons, including customer data, credit card data, corporate data, and theft by fraud (creating or hacking into accounts to receive credit, comps, and slot cash).

In our continuing efforts to protect casinos and gaming patrons, WhiteSand Gaming has launched two new wireless security offerings.  Wireless security is the process of scanning a facility for computer/cell phone/tablet/hot spot WiFi “hot spots” also known as access points.  Hackers use unprotected or poorly protected WiFi access points as a primary means of getting access to the organization’s internal networks.  Most organizations do not have a real time map of their WiFi access points and the existence/location of any unauthorized “rogue” access points.  A similar exposure was reported by United Airlines, with the suspect claiming he gained access to flight controls after hacking in to the entertainment system.

Wireless Mapping
WhiteSand Gaming will use state-of-the-art equipment and tools to produce a wireless map of the designated facility.  The map will include the exact physical location, signal strength, broadcast channel and encryption technology of all wireless access points both authorized and unauthorized.  The wireless map will also include the identification name (SSID) of the access point and the owner to the extent possible.

Wireless Monitoring
Further, WhiteSand will set up a state-of-the-art wireless surveillance system which will continuously monitor the designated area for WiFi activity and will instantly note and fully document any “rogue” access points which may appear.  The presence of an unauthorized wireless access point on a gaming floor indicates a severe vulnerability which must be shut immediately to prevent any hacker exploits against the organization.

My take: It´s always nice to hear that casinos are taking measures to protect their customers (and themselves) at the gaming tables. But rest assured that the high-tech poker and casino cheats will take countermeasures to get your money....Let the poker and casino wars continue!