Industry News
NETSCOUT Report Reveals Increase in Global DDoS Attacks
At a time when the online gaming and gambling sector is increasingly facing cyber threats, the rise of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks has become a major concern. According to the findings from NETSCOUT’s latest DDoS Threat Intelligence report, the gaming industry – also encompassing gambling associated with gaming – has been a top target for DDoS attacks.
Historically, 80-90% of all DDoS attacks are related to video games and online gambling. The report reveals that over 100,000 DDoS attacks were launched against video game publishers, and more than 20,500 against gambling-related companies in 2023. These attacks are often launched during online gaming tournaments in an attempt to disrupt competitors. The extensive gambling activity taking place around these events also introduces the potential for financial gain in the event of successfully attacking opponents and their networks.
The victims, typically online gaming companies, suffer substantial financial losses and must exert significant efforts to restore their services. This increased vulnerability is due to the sector’s strong dependence on digital infrastructure, making gaming platforms prime targets for cybercriminals.
Philippe Alcoy, security technologist at NETSCOUT, highlights a marked increase in attacks, often motivated by financial interests and the importance of comprehensive network visibility:
“It is clear that the situation is worsening, with incidents like the recent attacks against Blizzard Entertainment and Final Fantasy 14 in February and May 2024, where massive waves of traffic were deliberately sent to overload servers, thus harming the online player experience. These attacks are not just a minor inconvenience; they threaten the integrity and stability of the entire digital game ecosystem. While primarily profit driven, these attacks may also aim to harm competitors or occur in the context of disputes among players, particularly in networked games.
“In the online gaming and gambling sectors, where attacks can occur at any moment, having a precise mapping of network activity is essential to maintain service continuity and protect critical resources. To anticipate attacks before they cause significant damage, comprehensive network visibility is necessary to not only detect and respond quickly to incidents, but to also understand and analyse traffic.
“It is crucial that online gaming operators strengthen their security measures to guard against DDoS attacks, which aim not only to disrupt but also to destabilise companies economically and operationally. Attackers are exploiting the specific vulnerabilities of these digital platforms, often during peak user connection times, to maximise the impact of their attacks. Companies must therefore integrate DDoS resilience as an essential component of their security strategy, not only to protect their operations but also to maintain player trust – which is fundamental in this competitive sector.”
The post NETSCOUT Report Reveals Increase in Global DDoS Attacks appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Novomatic Netherlands has appointed Alexander Legat as its CEO.
Legat takes over from Zane Mersich, who has moved onto the company’s Supervisory Board.
His appointment has bolstered Novomatic Netherlands’ management team with two decades of legal and operational experience in the gaming industry.
Legat will also bring knowledge gained at Novomatic’s Austrian subsidiaries into his new role.
“I am grateful for the new operational role in the dynamic Dutch market and look forward to working with the local team and the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.
The Novomatic Netherlands’ management board said in a statement: “With Dr. Alexander Legat, Novomatic Netherlands is gaining a first-rate legal expert who not only knows the group extremely well but has also already worked closely with the national subsidiaries.
“His appointment is an important step in our work to successfully meet the future challenges in the Dutch market and further expand our position.”
The post Novomatic Netherlands Appoints Alexander Legat as CEO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
During this year’s Charity Night, AskGamblers raised €106,500, thanks to their partners who auctioned for paid positions on the website. The funds raised on 12 June are now being donated to the Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Association of Serbia (HISBAS).
Every year, AskGamblers hosts a Charity Night as part of AskGamblers Awards, during which the company’s partners auction for paid positions on the website. On 12 June, AskGamblers raised a record-breaking €106,500.
As Charity Month 2024 kicks off, the entire sum raised during Charity Night will be donated to the Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Association of Serbia (HISBAS), an organisation that aims to improve and protect the health and quality of life of children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Dijana Radunović, General Manager at AskGamblers, commented: “It is always a thrill to raise another record-breaking sum, especially as it is all for a good cause. We couldn’t be more grateful to our partners for their contributions; none of this would be possible without them. Thank you for making another Charity Month a success.”
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Stretch Network, an online poker software provider dedicated to strategically supporting its partners in developing and optimising poker operations, will participate in the SBC Summit Lisbon 2024 at stand B155. Offering a comprehensive range of services, including custom website development, ongoing maintenance and assistance in obtaining the necessary operating licenses, Stretch Network provides tailored solutions for various operational models, such as White Label, API and Turnkey, ensuring that its partners have the most suitable tools for success.
The SBC Summit Lisbon is anticipated to be one of the industry’s most significant events this year, offering a premier platform for learning, networking and exploring the latest industry trends. Stretch’s participation underscores its commitment to innovation and collaboration within the online gaming sector.
As one of 600 exhibitors, the Company will showcase its latest offerings and features, engage with industry professionals and existing partners, explore future collaborations and discuss necessary developments that will shape the tomorrow of online poker.
The post Stretch Network at SBC Summit Lisbon 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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