Watch: Cybersecurity — balancing privacy and protection in the gaming sector
Looking back at the recent SiGMA Europe 2024, the panel titled “Cybersecurity: Finding the Balance Between Privacy and Protection”, handled by NOUV, offered critical insights into how the gaming sector can navigate the complexities of safeguarding player trust. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, the discussion explored unconventional approaches to achieving a balance between security, privacy, and operational resilience in a highly dynamic industry.
Rising cyber risks in gaming
Moderated by Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Managing Partner at NYCE International, the panel brought together industry experts to dissect the escalating challenges of cybersecurity in the gaming space. As gaming operators increasingly shift to digital platforms, the risk of phishing attacks, ransomware, and social engineering continues to grow. Peter Wilson, CEO of PWL Legal, illustrated this with a real-world example where malicious malware locked down company systems, revealing how “simple oversights, like outdated credentials, can result in devastating breaches.” The discussion concluded that cybersecurity is no longer an isolated concern for IT departments but a board-level priority that demands organisation-wide engagement.
Building resilience through action
Francesca Zammit, Associate at NOUV, emphasised the importance of preparedness, including incident management protocols and employee training. As she noted, “Having a plan is crucial, but resilience also depends on continuous monitoring and live verification.” Implementing a zero-trust model—where access and privileges are minimised and continuously verified—was echoed as a fundamental practice.
The panel explored how the evolving nature of threats, especially with the rise of AI-powered cyberattacks, demands a proactive rather than reactive approach. Kris Galloway, Head of iGaming Product at Sumsub, addressed this concern, highlighting the need for transparency in AI solutions to mitigate emerging risks. He warned that “without clear oversight of AI systems, operators risk losing control of their security frameworks.”
Prioritising privacy by design
Beyond security, the conversation turned to data privacy. Zammit advocated integrating privacy as part of system design rather than an afterthought, highlighting practices such as data minimisation, anonymisation, and tokenisation. These approaches reduce the impact of potential breaches and help operators comply with regulatory frameworks while safeguarding sensitive player information. Spiteri suggested fostering collaboration within the gaming sector, mirroring practices in industries like energy, where shared intelligence has proven effective in combating cyber threats.
A unified approach to cybersecurity
The panel made it clear that achieving balance in cybersecurity requires a cultural shift, where vigilance, accountability, and innovation become core components of an organisation’s strategy. Operators must take proactive steps to strengthen defences, embed privacy, and remain agile as threats evolve.
With SiGMA Eurasia approaching, stakeholders will convene in Dubai’s thriving tech hub from 23-25 February 2025, offering a platform to explore further innovations and solutions shaping the industry. As SiGMA continues to drive meaningful discussions, stakeholders are encouraged to follow SiGMA’s 2025 roadshow of events, where critical topics like cybersecurity and innovation will remain at the forefront.
