The report in the Sydney Morning Herald states that hackers gained access to the network of Banktech, the tech company that has been tasked with running and maintaining cashless gaming operations. The hack is alleged to have only included data from customers participating in a trial at Wests Newcastle’s New Lambton venue.
NSW Cashless Gaming in Jeopardy Following Cyber Attack NSW Cashless Gaming in Jeopardy Following Cyber AttackNSW Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris has stated that the government is aware of the cyber attack and that Liquor and Gaming NSW was working with the operators to see what the impacts of the attack are. He also said that the NSW Police are investigating the incident.
NSW Cashless Gaming in Jeopardy Following Cyber Attack NSW Cashless Gaming in Jeopardy Following Cyber Attack NSW Cashless Gaming in Jeopardy Following Cyber AttackWe know organised crime is engaged in these kinds of data breaches and ransomware attacks, and we know that organised crime has a lot to lose should we be implementing cashless gaming in NSW to prevent their ability to money launder.”
Aristocrat put a stop to the trial as soon as Banktech confirmed that a data breach had taken place.
A spokesperson for the company said:
NSW Cashless Gaming in Jeopardy Following Cyber AttackAristocrat takes its obligations, including the protection of personal information, very seriously and we are working closely with Banktech to ensure that Banktech follows appropriate assessment and reporting guidelines under applicable laws.”
Earlier this year NSW Labor Chris Minns said that he planned to reduce the number of poker machines and implement a mandatory cashless gaming trial in response to the previous government’s proposed reforms. That trial was supposed to begin in the coming weeks but this is now unlikely following the cyber attack.
