BetVictor steps up security to beat hackers
BetVictor is adding an extra layer of security authentication to all customer accounts in response to a series of high-profile data breaches involving major firms.
The company has introduced Two Factor Authentication (2FA) for all new and existing customer accounts, which will mean accounts cannot be accessed even if passwords have been compromised. Through 2FA via SMS, customers that opt in will receive a unique code on their mobile device to authenticate their registration.
BetVictor said the in-house-developed multi-factor authentication will safeguard against hacked account details and “significantly reduce the risk” of a customer becoming the victim of fraud or identification theft.
The company, which has customers in more than 150 countries, cited a series of well-publicised cyberattacks as a major reason for it choosing to enhance its security levels. It said it wished to add an extra layer as, according to the Verizon Data Breach Investigation, around 81% of hacking-related data breaches result from weak or stolen passwords.
Jonathan De La Rosa (pictured), chief technology officer at BetVictor, said: “Online crime and internet fraud are on the rise and businesses with an online presence are targets. Thus, it’s crucial for our company to have effective security systems in place to mitigate the risk of security breaches.
“A large number of cyber-attacks are password related and integrating multi-factor authentication on our platforms, demonstrates our continued efforts to safeguard our customers’ data.
He added that “we’ll continue to develop this service as part of our commitment to our customers”.
The move comes three months after it was accused of leaving a password list for its internal systems on its website in an investigation by data security expert Chris Hogben. The company said the problem concerned legacy supplier data and soon rectified the problem with no sensitive customer data affected.
At the time the company said in a statement: “At BetVictor, we place the upmost importance on security and privacy. We have closed access to the section in question, and have worked with our partners to ensure nothing similar could happen again.”
The potential impact of data breaches on online gaming businesses was outlined earlier this year by ZoneFox chief executive officer Jamie Graves in an interview with iGamingBusiness.com.
Graves said: “Reselling data for gain, use in identity theft, ransom demands, and revenge are common motives.
“Legislation like Europe’s GDPR (general data protection regulation) can mean heavy fines on organisations who lose personal data, or who simply fail to provide proper protection.”