DraftKings Security Breach A Reminder To Secure Your Sportsbook Account

Online security breaches seem to be becoming a weekly occurrence at large corporations. Sports betting apps, including DraftKings and other sportsbook operators, are not spared and have recently fallen victim to hacking.

Hackers have reportedly obtained usernames and passwords from at least one sportsbook operator. As a result, players are said to be locked out of their accounts as hackers alter banking details and withdraw money.

Although it doesn’t seem like Nevada players have been impacted, it’s not only possible but also probable.

Irregular activity at DraftKings Sportsbook

Despite not operating in Nevada yet, DraftKings is among the largest sportsbook operators in the US. Given the security breaches at companies like Target and Hyatt, it is understandable that hackers would target their massive customer base.

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

At the time this article was written, only a portion of DraftKings customers have been reimbursed for stolen funds, while others are still awaiting reimbursement.

Not long after DraftKings issued their statement, FanDuel Sportsbook sent an email to its customers, urging them to take necessary measures to secure their accounts.

Fake BetMGM accounts

It seems that the hackers initiated this operation a few days prior. ESPN reports that many professional poker players had their personal data stolen and money withdrawn through counterfeit BetMGM sportsbook accounts.

The violation extends beyond sports betting accounts. Hackers were exploiting banking data to create BetMGM accounts from which they would extract funds.

BetMGM is currently probing a security violation. Global Payments Gaming Solution, the intermediary between banking and sportsbook applications, has informed ESPN about “fraudulent accounts set up at third parties unconnected to them, using pilfered personal details.”

The online payment company confirms that the hack was from an external source, stating, “There has been no security breach or fraudulent accounts opened at our gaming business related to this investigation.”

Accounts where hackers can withdraw funds appear to be increasingly experiencing security breaches. This serves as a valuable reminder to always remain 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 business account online is susceptible to a breach. Hackers potentially have the ability to access banking details directly or commit identity theft.

There are several safety measures that online customers can take to protect their personal information related to sports betting, banking, and credit cards, among others. These steps can deter potential hackers from gaining access to their sensitive data.

Should you find out that their sports betting account has been compromised, you must promptly contact customer service.

Online protection tips

Online sports betting platforms advise enabling two-factor authentication. This procedure involves entering a password and a unique PIN, sent to you via text each time you log in. Although this method can be inconvenient, it is one of the most effective ways to secure an online account.

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

Another method some people use to safeguard their finances online is by restricting the amount of money in their bank account. It can be beneficial in various ways to maintain a separate bank account solely for sports betting.

This account allows a player to transfer money in and out. Consequently, in case of a security breach, hackers can only access a limited amount of money. This method is also an effective strategy for managing a gambling bankroll.

Finally, it’s advisable for players to opt for a credit card over a debit card when feasible. In case a debit card, which has direct access to a bank account, gets stolen, hackers can potentially access all the funds in the account(s). Handling fraudulent charges on a credit card is generally easier for individuals as it doesn’t provide direct access to cash.