Did you know that 49% of mobile users in the UK face daily security threats from the likes of scams? Well, according to research by Malwarebytes, not only is that the case, but the number is continually growing, as security threats are becoming more and more sophisticated. Our mobile phones are such a prominent part of our lives, but we rarely take the time to consider that they can also be very real dangers.
In the iGaming world, which I’ve been involved in for a little over a decade, I all too often hear about players’ blind trust in mobile platforms, especially apps. Just because something is an app, this doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safer than a website, and it certainly doesn’t mean you don’t have to do your due diligence before parting with all your most personal information, including your financial details. So, just how safe are mobile casinos, and how can you make sure you’re staying secure when playing?
Common Security Misconceptions
It’s not known for certain whether mobile platforms and apps are more secure than traditional online platforms. There’s an ongoing discourse between experts, with the only agreement reached being that they’re different, with varying pros and cons for each. I’ll discuss that in a little more detail in a second, but the main thing to note is that it’s important to be thorough when it comes to cybersecurity, regardless of the type of platform!
The Mobile Vs Online Debate
Once you’ve downloaded an app, the creators are able to access data about you, which websites wouldn’t usually be able to collect. That can include things like your contacts, location, and pictures, and even the other devices that are connected to your WiFi. Although apps on Android or Apple devices have to ask permission to access things like your location, there are plenty of studies of apps skirting that rule.
Experts urge you to take particular caution when doing something unfamiliar, such as playing at a new casino or buying a new product. In these cases, it’s often safer to use the established website. You also have to remember that browsers like Google and Safari have some of the foremost software experts in the world working to keep you safe, but when you download an app, you often have little to no idea about how it was developed.
Do you Have More Control over Apps or Websites?
You may think that an app, where you can vary your permissions, would be safer than a website. However, according to experts, that’s not the case at all. On websites, you can turn off many of the functions you don’t want, such as cookies. Experts also mention that you can further dial up the privacy by blocking things like targeted ads or announcements.
Although you have some power when it comes to permissions for apps, you have no option when it comes to things like parting with your personal information just to make an account. I think of my app for booking activities in the gym, for example, where I have no choice but to fill in my email, date of birth, phone number, and address if I want access. As a result, experts stated that websites “cannot spy or track you as easily nor access confidential information without permission”, making them safer.
The Debate Continues…
I do think we have an innate trust in apps over websites. After all, do they not appear more official and more tangible than a plain old website? I’ve frequently encountered this in the iGaming industry, where players are often concerned about uploading their sensitive information onto a gambling website but have much fewer qualms about doing so with an app.
Online banking is one example I see discussed a lot when it comes to safety on the web versus through an app. When accessing your online banking app, you usually have to use face ID or a fingerprint to gain access. The general internet has not of these protections, making it easier for a hacker to infiltrate. They also often have multi-factor verification, with codes sent to your phone or email before allowing you to make a withdrawal, for example, providing an extra layer of safety.
So, How Can You Stay Safe Online?
Whether you think apps or websites are safer, let’s discuss some methods for staying secure regardless. As I’m an iGaming specialist, I’m going to focus mainly on that industry for this section, so keep reading for some top tips on staying secure wherever you’re playing.
Licensed Providers
One of the most important things to take into consideration when picking a provider is whether they have a reputable licence. It’s absolutely essential you’re only playing at places that have a licence from the likes of the UK Gambling Commission, as it means they comply with high standards on player safety and security.
The UKGC has their own specific standards when it comes to security, requiring licensees to have clear protections against ‘malicious code’, as well as thorough security methods for ‘handling and storage of information’. Only those who meet their requirements receive a licence, so you know your security is being taken seriously when playing at a provider with one. Licensed providers also have to meet high standards when it comes to responsible gambling, with tools—such as limits and self-exclusion—to protect and support you.
The Dangers of Unlicensed Casinos
When I say you should only be using licensed providers, I truly mean it. Risking your money anywhere else can have serious consequences, as they don’t have to follow the same rules of conduct. If you use an unlicensed provider, you have no idea how they store your information, including your financial details, leaving you at risk from hackers or data breaches.
The high levels of encryption and other security measures in place at reputable casinos cost a good deal of money, making it unlikely that unlicensed providers have the same levels of protection. Not only might they not have any cybersecurity measures in place at all, but they could also be actively trying to harm your safety.
Nobody vets an unlicensed casino for you, so it could easily be a scam and simply take your money. You can also be at risk of financial fraud, and with no authority to report the issue to, you’re unlikely to see any money you lose returned to you. Playing at an unlicensed casino is a risky business that I certainly don’t recommend.
Look for Trusted Names
I always make sure to check for trusted provider names when I’m considering playing at a new casino. That includes the likes of Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Evolution. If you’re able to spot at least a couple of games from the industry’s biggest software providers, it bodes well for the security of the site. As these games aren’t given to any old casino, it should mean they’re a trusted provider.
Another thing you can also look out for is an eCOGRA certification. Usually, you can spot it as a little logo at the bottom of the site, which indicates that the casino’s games have been verified for fairness. That means that you actually stand a chance of winning, and you can be sure their games aren’t rigged.
Use a Third-party Payment Method
I often encounter players who have concerns about uploading their information directly to a gambling site. Using a third-party payment method, as opposed to something like a bank transfer or card payment, can alleviate these worries. Rather than having to directly upload your financial details onto a site, you can use the likes of PayPal or Skrill as a bridge between the two.
When using digital wallets like these, your sensitive financial information is hidden from the site you’re paying at, and there are higher levels of encryption. They also come with payment protection, which can provide you with a refund if something goes wrong, offering yet another fail-safe and layer of security.
How Can You Stay Safe on Online Platforms?
Although there’s still debate surrounding whether online platforms or apps are more secure, the thing that really matters is that you take security seriously wherever you play. You should only ever be using providers with reputable licences who have your safety and security in mind.
Steer clear of unlicensed casinos and make sure to look for trustworthy names before you sign up. Wherever you choose, website or apps, make sure you’re cautious when it comes to parting with your money and personal information!
Giuseppe Faraone is an expert in all things iGaming, with over ten years’ worth of experience under his belt. His extensive knowledge has made Giuseppe the go-to resource for casino reviews and articles detailing industry updates. Readers know they’ll get unbiased and thorough content when he’s the author, which has seen him become one of the industry’s leading voices.
