DraftKings Security Breach A Reminder To Secure Your Sportsbook Account

 

There seems to be a weekly occurrence of online security breaches at major corporations. Sports betting applications like DraftKings and other sportsbook operators are not exempted, having recently experienced hacking incidents.

Hackers have reportedly seized usernames and passwords from at least one sportsbook operator. While the hackers alter banking details and withdraw money, players are reportedly unable to access their accounts.

Although it doesn’t seem like Nevada players have been impacted, it’s probable — and even likely.

Irregular activity at DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings, being one of the largest sportsbook operators in the US, despite not operating in Nevada yet, naturally attracts hackers, similar to the security breaches experienced by Target and Hyatt. This is due to their massive customer base.

So far, around $300,000 has been pilfered from DraftKings customers. The company issued the subsequent statement regarding the security breach:

At the time of writing this article, only a portion of DraftKings customers have been refunded for stolen funds, while some are still awaiting reimbursement.

Not long after DraftKings made their statement public, FanDuel Sportsbook sent out an email to its customers, advising them to take necessary steps to secure their accounts.

Fake BetMGM accounts

It seems that the hackers initiated this operation a few days ago. ESPN reports that a multitude of professional poker players had their personal data pilfered when money was withdrawn through counterfeit BetMGM sportsbook accounts.

The violation extends beyond sports betting accounts. Hackers exploited banking details to establish BetMGM accounts from where they siphoned off money.

BetMGM is probing a security breach. Global Payments Gaming Solution, the intermediary between banking and sportsbook apps, informs ESPN that “fraudulent accounts were established at independent third parties using pilfered personal information.”

The online payment company confirms that the hack originated externally, stating, “No security breach or fraudulent accounts have been opened at our gaming business in relation to this investigation.”

Accounts where hackers can withdraw funds seem to be experiencing security breaches. This serves as a good reminder to always be vigilant in safeguarding any online and mobile accounts that have access to money.

Secure your sports betting account

Regrettably, it may be prudent to presume that any personal online business account is susceptible to breaches. Hackers may gain direct access to banking details or commit identity theft.

Online customers have several security measures available. At the very least, there are actions to take that may hinder potential wrongdoers from accessing personal information related to sports betting, banking, credit cards, and other personal data.

Should you find out that their sports betting account has been breached, it’s recommended to promptly contact customer service.

Online protection tips

Sports betting websites advise enabling two-factor authentication. This approach requires entering a password and a unique PIN sent to you via text each time you sign in. Although this system can be inconvenient, it’s one of the most effective methods for securing an online account.

Also beneficial is the use of a strong, unique password. Although these types of passwords may be challenging to memorize, they can significantly increase the difficulty for hackers attempting to steal your password.

One method that some people employ online to safeguard their financial assets involves restricting the amount of money in their bank account. Maintaining a separate bank account solely for sports betting proves beneficial in various aspects.

This account allows a player to transfer money in and out. Consequently, in the event of a security breach, hackers can only gain access to a limited amount of money. This technique is also beneficial for managing a gambling bankroll.

Finally, it is advisable for players to use a credit card rather than a debit card when feasible. When a debit card, which has direct access to a bank account, is stolen, hackers can access all the funds in the account(s). Handling fraudulent charges on a credit card is easier for individuals as there is no direct access to the funds.