Hackers are targeting a test for cashless gaming
“This data breach is extremely suspicious and I think it would be important for the Government to forward any information it has in relation to its investigations into organized crime and money laundering in NSW to the NSW Crime Commission,” Greenwich said.
“We know organized crime is involved in data breaches and ransomware attacks like this and we know organized crime have a lot to lose by introducing cashless gambling in NSW to prevent their ability to launder money.”
The attempt that was the subject of the cyberattack was a small-scale, government-sponsored test of cashless technology developed by games maker Aristocrat.
Aristocrat canceled the process after its digital partner Banktech informed the company about the data breach, a spokeswoman said. It should have ended next week.
Banktech, which owns and operates ATMs in hotels, clubs and casinos, controlled the lines between the “digital wallets” of club members participating in the study and their personal bank accounts. The hackers encrypted these lines, which is usually the first step before siphoning off any money. It is believed that around 40 club members were affected.
Banktech did not respond to requests for comment as of Thursday evening.
However, an Aristocrat spokeswoman said Banktech had informed them that no personal information of study participants was at risk as a result of the cyber incident. As soon as the data breach became known, Banktech immediately shut down all relevant servers and commissioned an independent expert to carry out the forensic assessment, she said. It would take a few weeks to complete.
“No personal data of study participants was compromised as a result of the cyber incident.”
A spokeswoman for Aristocrat
“As a further precautionary measure, Aristocrat, in cooperation with Banktech and Wests, ensured the rapid deactivation of all relevant digital wallet functions at the venue and completed testing of the digital wallet,” the spokeswoman said.
“Aristocrat takes its obligations, including the protection of personal data, very seriously and we work closely with Banktech to ensure Banktech follows the appropriate assessment and reporting policies in accordance with applicable laws.”
Mandatory cashless gambling was the NSW Crime Commission’s top recommendation after its investigation uncovered evidence billions of dollars in dirty cash were being pumped through poker machines into pubs and clubs.
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Opponents of the technology have argued that the technology’s regulation is excessive and will discourage recreational players from playing slot machines, in part because they do not want to risk having their personal information compromised.
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