Why is Security So Important for New Zealand Casinos?
No country is safe from the cybersecurity epidemic. In 2023 alone, the cost of every data breach was around $4.45 million – a 15% increase over the last three years – and that figure is only expected to rise.
In 2024, there have been many well-publicised data breaches, but one of the most talked about took place in New Zealand. The attack itself happened in 2021, but in March this year, the New Zealand government raised concerns with the Chinese government that this was a state-sponsored cyber attack, initiated to access parliamentarian information through malicious cyber activity.
While this is yet to be confirmed, it did raise questions about the New Zealand infrastructure, not just for parliament but for the whole nation.
The Problem for Online Industries
Throughout the last few years, cyber breaches in New Zealand have steadily been getting more frequent, especially in the ecommerce sector, where every interaction and transaction is made online. One of the big industries to recognise this – and put in the necessary steps to protect themselves – is the iGaming industry, which is worth nearly $350 million in New Zealand alone.
Between 2010 and 2020, online casino providers have been targeting New Zealand players, with spending estimated to have increased from $139 million in 2014 to $332 million in 2020. To ensure that players are using their services safely, a number of protocols have been put in place.
The first is SSL encryption. All the most reputable online casinos use this kind of encryption to protect data transmitted between users and the servers, ensuring personal details and financial transactions are adequately protected.
As well as this, the best online casinos have implemented multiple anti-fraud systems, utilising them to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. AI and machine learning have been a big revelation here. Through this new technology, online casino providers have been able to track typical user behaviour and recognise when behaviour is abnormal, flagging it in real time and stopping it as soon as it becomes suspicious.
Prioritising Security in an Insecure World
This isn’t just for New Zealand players, of course. For a while now, real money online casinos have recognised security as one of the key priorities that users are looking for – especially with the big data breaches capturing everyone’s attention. It might be a hit with players to have a range of games and slots, but this will count for nothing if there’s a security breach and the players lose trust.
To reinforce this trust, online casinos are not only adhering to stringent security protocols, but also educating their users on best practices. This includes guidance on setting strong passwords, recognising phishing attempts, and understanding the importance of two-factor-authentication.
The most reputable – and, importantly, licenced – casinos are also becoming more transparent about their security measures, publishing regular reports on their compliance with international security standards and carrying out regular audits. For players in New Zealand, and, indeed, the rest of the world, this transparency is crucial to reassure them that their data is safe.
Conclusion
As mentioned before, the iGaming industry in New Zealand is growing, and it’s likely to stay on an upward trajectory. But while there is likely to be more investment into New Zealand’s cybersecurity industry, it’s essential that platforms for New Zealand players keep their sharp focus on safety.
By prioritising robust security measures, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and maintaining that transparency, these casinos are not only protecting their business, but ensuring the safest environment possible for all players, no matter where they are in the world. In an age where data breaches are all too common, this is something that should be applauded.