Online gaming has grown in popularity in recent years and now includes everything from competitive multiplayer video games to casual browser-based games and even real-money gambling at online casinos. Many online gaming sites ask players to share personal KYC (Know Your Customer) details in order to play, like their names, addresses, email addresses, and even payment details. Gaming sites that collect this kind of information have to work hard to safeguard it against threats like hackers in order to prevent data breaches or identity theft.
While many gaming sites do collect player data, not all sites do. Some gaming platforms, like certain online casinos and gaming sites, bypass the need to collect personal KYC data from players. This is a win-win for both the platform and the player. These platforms, usually called no-KYC sites, can save time and money as they reduce the need to store sensitive data and information. Additionally, players are at reduced risk of their data being leaked, as they can avoid sharing their information in the first place. Betting expert and author Kane Pepi further shares that no-KYC casino sites allow bettors to start wagering quickly, without the need for lengthy identity verification. This means players can skip the hassle of paperwork and get straight to the fun.
However, not all sites are able to skip KYC checks yet. For online gaming sites that still ask players for personal details before they can get started, there are countless things they do behind the scenes to ensure player data remains safe and secure.
Encryption of User Data
One of the most common things that most gaming sites do to keep player data safe is to encrypt user data. Encrypting data works by converting sensitive information into an unreadable code. The code can only be read or interpreted by the correct recipient. This means that even if the data was intercepted for some reason, it can’t be read or used.
Some companies will use SSL/TLS Encryption and others will use End-to-end Encryption. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols are usually used to encrypt and protect data as it’s transmitted between a user and a gaming site or platform. This type of security is typically used by sites that handle payment information. End-to-end encryption is often used on sites that host real-money games or high-stakes gaming. This type of security protocol works by ensuring that data remains completely secure from the moment it is entered to the time it reaches the server. With End-to-end Encryption, even if data is intercepted by a bad actor, it’s unreadable with a key.
Secure Authentication and Access Controls
Beyond encrypting users’ data, sites that collect player information often also use secure authentication and access controls to keep players’ details safe online. Secure authentication means that sites put into place processes to ensure the person logging into an account is actually the correct account owner.
This can be accomplished through standard security measures, like using usernames and passwords. Additionally, some sites also use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) which is another way of ensuring that no bad actors can hack into users’ accounts. 2FA works by requiring a second form of verification from a user in order to access an account. For example, after a user logs in with a username and password, 2FA may send a code to a user’s device or email account as a second form of verification.
Beyond these access controls, some sites also offer biometric authentication which ensures the person signing into the account is indeed the account owner. Biometrics typically uses a fingerprint or face scan to ensure the identity of the account holder.
Data Storage Security
While encrypting data and securing access is important, many businesses that ask for players’ data also work hard to store data security. Once a business collects data, like a player’s address or bank information, it needs to keep this information on record but in a safe and secure way so that no malicious actors can access it. Data that is stored is often referred to as “data at rest” and protecting this information is just as important as protecting data that is being transmitted from user to platform.
To protect data at rest, most online gaming sites will use encryption technology. Similar to how data is encrypted during transmission, data at rest can also be encrypted for protection. Beyond encrypting data, some companies will also restrict who can access user data while it’s being stored. Limiting access to data means that companies can reduce the risk of internal breaches and ensure only authorized employees are accessing players’ details that are kept on file.
Additionally, most online gaming companies that store gamers’ data will also regularly back up their data. Regular backups are typically needed for disaster recovery if a cyberattack is to take place or if a system fails for any reason. A data backup is also encrypted and is stored securely so that data is protected.
Security Audits and Penetration Testing
While online gaming companies often have a number of security measures in place to protect player data, an important part of the process is having a security audit. Regular security audits and penetration testing are important for online gaming businesses as they can quickly identify areas that may be vulnerable. Gaming companies that are proactive and test their own systems are able to find their own weaknesses, fix them, and become more secure in the long run.
Online gaming companies can have third-party cybersecurity firms conduct comprehensive audits of their security measures. When these audits take place they typically look at everything from the company’s encryption practices to their access controls. Additionally, penetration testing can be completed by ethical hackers who are hired by a company to see how vulnerable or easy to hack their systems may be. These ethical hackers work hard to try to break into a system so that gaming companies can reinforce their security where and when needed.
While not all online gaming companies ask for player data, those who do ask for this personal information must work hard to keep it secure. Online gaming companies can use encryption tech, secure authentication, data storage security, and regular audits in order to keep gamers’ data and details safe and protected.
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English (US) · 