Continent 8 Technologies’ Regional Sales Director, Jerad Swimmer and Principal Solutions Architect, Anthony Engel, recently attended the 5th Annual TribalHub Cybersecurity Summit.
At the event, they were showcasing Continent 8’s multi-layered cybersecurity solutions designed to support tribal casinos and their cybersecurity programs.
In this blog, Jerad and Anthony share their key takeaways from the event.
Anthony and Jerad at TribalHub Cybersecurity Summit 2025.
Continent 8 – Proud members of the TribalHub community.
Anthony Engel (AE): The TribalHub Cybersecurity Summit, though smaller in scale, turned out to be an incredible event. We had the chance to engage with nearly every attendee and connect with vendors across various sectors. The event was exceptionally well organized, and its intimate setting allowed for more meaningful and impactful discussions.
Jerad Swimmer (JS): A standout feature of this event was the division of days into presentation sessions followed by an exhibitor segment. From 9:00 to 3:30, Anthony and I attended every session, which afforded us a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of tribal organizations and how we can support them.
Adding a touch of fun to the event, TribalHub included a bingo card for attendees, encouraging them to visit each booth. Many attendees voiced that this initiative provided them with a deeper insight into Continent 8’s comprehensive threat prevention, detection and response strategies, which they might not have discovered otherwise. We are excited to continue many of these discussions beyond the event.
AE: Given the cybersecurity-focused nature of the event, attendees demonstrated advanced cybersecurity knowledge. We shared how, as a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), we are distinctively equipped to deliver a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem from a single source – ranging from DDoS protection to endpoint security, cloud protection and even mobile threat prevention. This integrated approach closes cybersecurity gaps that often arise with multiple vendors’ solutions and offers tribal gaming organizations a singular point of accountability for their entire cybersecurity framework.
JS: Indeed, as Anthony highlighted, the discussions spanned a wide array of cybersecurity techniques and strategies. In my conversations, we explored approaches to Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (see Jerad’s most recent cybersecurity blog on VAPT here), mobile endpoint protection, Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM), Security Operations Centers (SOC), Endpoint and Managed Detection and Response (EDR & MDR), as well as strategies to counter social engineering threats.
AE: From an event format perspective, as Jared mentioned earlier, we were pleased that the event organizers ensured the presentation sessions were accessible to exhibitors. This enabled us to customize our discussions around the pain points identified during these sessions and explore various strategies to address their current issues and challenges. It added an extra dimension to vendor-attendee interaction, which I believe the attendees appreciated.
JS: The summit was an exceptional platform for engaging and exchanging ideas with the tribal gaming community. Networking was a continuous all-day and all-evening affair, extending beyond the event into dinner and lounge conversations that really foster unrivalled relationship building.
Anthony and I are already looking forward to reconnecting with everyone at our next event – the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention! We hope to see you there!
Visit us at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in San Diego from March 31 to April 3 at Booth 724 to discover the benefits of 360-degree cybersecurity protection for your tribal gaming organization.
Don’t miss the panel discussion “Creating and maintaining a healthy culture in a new era of cybersecurity”, where Jerad will moderate a session with industry experts Frances Alvarez, Emra Arkansas, Jason Nichols and Scott Riley. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into data protection, regulatory practices and proactive cybersecurity strategies for tribal gaming.
Book a meeting at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention here.
Continent 8 provides comprehensive, multi-layered threat prevention, detection and response solutions to secure your tribal organization’s digital assets in the face of evolving cyber threats. For more information on how Continent 8 can support your cybersecurity initiatives, email sales@continent.com or fill out our Contact Us page.
Also, be sure to watch the latest episode in our Tribal Talks: Cybersecurity Unlocked podcast series. Each episode delves into new stories, insights gained, best practices and key developments that are shaping the future of tribal casino gaming and cybersecurity.
Watch Tribal Talks: Cybersecurity Unlocked podcast series
Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9th, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome, was the eleventh Super Bowl to be held in New Orleans, and it was not the close affair we expected! In fact, the Eagles reached an insurmountable lead of 34 points before the Chiefs managed a first score. The event boasted record peak views of around 135 million, up from 124 million last year.
It was also a record-breaking 2025 in gambling terms, with significant growth in online betting compared to last year’s, reflecting the continued expansion of legal online sports betting in the US. An estimated $1.39 billion was gambled on Super Bowl LIX, up from $1.25 billion in legal bets for Super Bowl LVIII — a growth of about 11%. This figure marks the first time the American Gaming Association (AGA) based its estimate solely on legal wagers, unlike previous years that included illegal and casual bets, suggesting the actual increase in regulated online activity could be even higher as the market shifts toward legal channels.
This year also saw at least one $1m bet and a six-figure wager on the coin flip (tails by the way).
Continent 8 customer, FanDuel, reported record-breaking activity for Super Bowl LIX, with over 16.6 million bets placed by almost 3 million customers, a nearly 20% increase in bets from the 14 million recorded for LVIII (which totalled $307 million in wagers from 2.5 million users). In New York alone, a key online sports betting market, the Super Bowl LIX week saw a handle (total amount wagered) of over $557 million, with $155 million tied directly to the game, outpacing last year’s figures. FanDuel’s handle in New York for that week was $222.2 million, and DraftKings reported $193.9 million, both reflecting robust growth.
As the largest network, infrastructure and cybersecurity supplier to the US and global regulated iGaming market, Continent 8 can report its stats for Super Bowl LIX:
Continent 8 is no stranger to supporting high-traffic sporting contests. Whether it is annually for the Grand National or Cheltenham horse racing events in the UK and Ireland, the UEFA Champions League across Europe, March Madness in the US, or every four years for the UEFA Euro finals or FIFA World Cup, we know what it takes to ensure platform uptime.
As the partner of choice for iGaming and sports betting hosting, for both operators and suppliers alike, live in 31 US states, and supporting more than 90% of the largest brands in the marketplace (EGR US Power Rankings), we have the solutions and support systems in place that ultimately give companies the confidence they need to maximise the acquisition and retention opportunities these events present.
As standard for identified special sporting events, we:
In addition to this:
What’s key throughout is ensuring our customers are aware of all activity with notifications regularly sent such as internet and MPLS data, as well as average and maximum traffic in and out.
The Super Bowl is a huge event for sportsbooks, particularly now that the US has opened up online gambling (in varying capacity) in 31 states.
And after a very short amount of breathing space, we prepare for March Madness in the same vein!
Live in 31 states: Our expansion in the US began with a state-of-the-art data centre in Atlantic City, enabling customers to take advantage of the online sports betting market opportunities in New Jersey, while gaining immediate access to the Continent 8 global network. Today, we are live in 31 US states, with several new sites in the pipeline.
First-to-market: We have an aggressive strategy to ensure we are the first iGaming hosting provider in state, enabling our customers to capitalise on the fast-growing and competitive US iGaming and online sports betting market. Most recently, we went live in Missouri.
Regulated and compliant: We have vast regulatory experience and a dedicated compliance team, with strong regulator relationships across states, ensuring a complaint iGaming hosting solution for each.
Growing global team: We are a global team of 300+ specialists with a local presence – we ensure we have a team on the ground in the US to help you expand.
Learn more about our trusted solutions in the US here or contact the team via sales@continent8.com
The iGaming and online sports betting industry is facing unprecedented cybersecurity challenges, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) is becoming a crucial element for compliance and protection against cyber threats.
In this blog, Justin Cosnett, Chief Product Officer at Continent 8, will explore the cybersecurity landscape within iGaming, analyse the regulatory requirements for MFA in the US, discuss strategies for effectively navigating compliance while enhancing user experience and illustrate how passwordless MFA can be a game-changer in the iGaming industry.
In the rapidly expanding world of iGaming and online sports betting, cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable priority. As digital platforms proliferate, so do the threats aimed at them. Cyber criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, making it essential for operators to stay ahead of the curve. The stakes are high: a single breach can result in massive financial losses, reputational damage and erosion of customer trust.
Moreover, the nature of our industry, which involves real-time transactions and sensitive personal data, makes it an attractive target for cyber attacks. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, including MFA, is not just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding the integrity of the gaming experience and protecting both the business and its players.
In the US, regulatory requirements for MFA vary by state.
Several regulated states have recognised the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and have mandated the use of MFA for online gambling platforms. States such as Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are leading the charge – with others following suit – requiring operators to implement MFA to comply with state regulations.
These regulations are designed to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of the gaming environment. By requiring MFA, these states – and markets such as Brazil and Italy – aim to reduce the risk of unauthorised access and fraud, thereby fostering a safer and more trustworthy industry. Operators must stay informed about the regulatory landscape and ensure they meet all necessary requirements to avoid penalties and maintain their operating licenses.
Implementing MFA comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in balancing compliance with user experience. No operator wants to add friction to the login process, especially given the rise of live betting on mobile apps.
Statistics show that 20-30%* of users abandon login attempts due to friction caused by complex authentication processes. For iGaming and online sports betting operators, this can translate in a decrease in player engagement and potential profit losses of up to 20%*.
Businesses must navigate the tightrope of stringent regulatory compliance while ensuring a seamless and enjoyable user experience. This often involves investing in advanced MFA solutions that offer robust security without compromising on convenience.
Continent 8, in partnership with MIRACL, offers a cutting-edge passwordless MFA solution that addresses both security and user experience challenges. MIRACL’s technology eliminates the need for traditional passwords, replacing them with a single-step authentication process that is both secure and user-friendly.
Key statistics underscore the effectiveness of this solution: a 99.9% reduction in account takeovers, a 70% decrease in user login friction and a significant increase in user satisfaction and retention rates. By leveraging MIRACL’s passwordless authentication, operators can provide a seamless and secure login experience that meets regulatory requirements and enhances customer loyalty.
Quick. Easy. Successful.
Continent 8 is committed to supporting businesses in the iGaming and online sports betting industry with their cybersecurity needs. Our team of experts works closely with customers to design and implement a tailored MFA solution that align with regulatory requirements and business objectives.
Trust Continent 8 to be your partner in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity and regulatory compliance in the gambling industry.
Are you compliant? Are you losing players at login? Are you missing out on revenue? See a live demo of our MFA solution on our rapid-fire webinar, ‘Passwordless MFA:
Improve player login and maximise profit potential’ hosted by Justin on Monday 10 March. Register here.
In December, Michael Tobin, Founder and CEO of Continent 8 Technologies, served as a featured speaker at an exclusive event hosted by Startup Grind Isle of Man.
During an insightful fireside chat titled, ‘How to Build and Run a Global Business from the Isle of Man – and Why?’, hosted by Stephen Trimble, Michael shared valuable insights and personal experiences from his remarkable career.
For those unable to attend, the informative chat can be watched here:
Alternatively, below are some fun facts and the key takeaways from the event.
Michael Tobin, originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, began his career as a Chartered Accountant with a prominent accounting firm after graduating from McGill University. In was in this role that he recognised the increasing demand for data centres, which led him to establish Continent 8 Technologies.
Continent 8 has emerged as a leading global provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity services, delivering world-class solutions to the biggest names in the iGaming and online sports betting industry, including Apricot (formerly Microgaming) and PokerStars.
Continent 8 initially provided infrastructure services to the financial services sector. However, a pivotal moment occurred when an early pioneer in the online gaming space sought Continent 8’s services. This opportunity prompted Continent 8 to pivot and specialise in data centre services tailored to iGaming.
The growth of the online gaming industry paralleled Continent 8’s expansion, enabling them to assist iGaming operators and suppliers in optimising their online support and capabilities.
Continent 8’s decision to establish operations in the Isle of Man was influenced by one of its customers, who facilitated introductions to local government officials and key advisors. These connections were instrumental in positioning the Isle of Man as a central location in Continent 8’s long-term strategic plan. Michael’s initial experience with the Isle of Man was also notably impactful.
Michael shares, “When I came here for the first time, there is something that felt right. That’s when we established a formal entity in 2005 and called it Continent 8. The following year, this is where we would base ourselves.
Today, the Isle of Man remains integral to Continent 8’s success – we have built a state-of-the-art data centre in Douglas and employ a team of over 20 skilled professionals and specialists locally.”
After establishing a presence in the Isle of Man, Continent 8 expanded into Europe with data centres in Gibraltar, Malta and other key iGaming jurisdictions and locations. When regulation permitted (since the repeal of PASPA), they targeted North America, first launching their impressive data centre in New Jersey, recognised as the sports betting capital of the US.
Today, Continent 8 operates more than 100 interconnected locations, with an active presence in 30 US states and operations in all major regulated iGaming jurisdictions in LATAM.
Michael advises aspiring entrepreneurs to strategically align with suitable partners, including mentors and advisors. He underscores the importance of cultivating positive, trustworthy relationships that help move your endeavors in a positive direction.
Michael highlighted, “Find partners and advisers who complement your skills and provide new perspectives. Trust is key, and over time, you’ll learn who you can rely on.”
Continent 8’s compliance-driven infrastructure and cybersecurity services accelerate the launch of secure, resilient, zero-compromise gaming platforms
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the iGaming and online sports betting industry, is pleased to announce its continued expansion in the US with the launch of its data center and managed and professional services in Missouri.
Following the approval of Missouri Amendment 2 on November 5, 2024, the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) is preparing the state for the launch of its regulated online sports betting market, scheduled for December 1, 2025. Continent 8’s first-to-market strategic approach provides Missouri online sports betting operators and suppliers with immediate access to Continent 8’s data center, along with a full suite of best-in-class services that facilitate the rapid deployment of secure, resilient, zero-compromise gaming platforms.
The US continues to be a strategic market for Continent 8, as it remains not only the fastest growing, but only end-to-end solutions provider for the gaming industry in the nation. Continent 8 possesses requisite regulatory licenses, certifications, approvals and registrations across more than 30 states, including Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and now Missouri. The most recent EGR Power US Rankings underscores Continent 8’s position as the premier service provider in the industry, servicing and supporting 95% of the listed operators.
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, stated: “The approval of Missouri Amendment 2 highlights the continuous growth of the regulated and highly competitive US online sports betting market. We are thrilled to already be engaged with numerous customers and actively preparing their environments for the soon-to-open market.
“Our approach, anchored in regulatory compliance, ensures that gaming operators and suppliers are equipped with market-ready solutions to swiftly establish state-compliant, secure and uncompromising infrastructures, while providing ample time to optimize their platforms well in advance of the state’s launch date.”
For insights into Missouri’s online sports betting market, schedule a meeting with Continent 8 at NEXT Summit New York 2025 (Booth 7), from March 12-13.
Craig Lusher from our Secure team provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) statistics from the fourth quarter of the year and their implications for cybersecurity trends.
The fourth quarter of 2024 marked a significant shift in DDoS attack patterns, with 138 recorded incidents. This represents a substantial increase from 3Q’s 37 attacks, though remaining well below historical peaks like 2Q 2023’s 1,106 attacks. October emerged as the most active month, aligning with historical patterns of increased 4Q activity.
This is a trend not just at Continent 8. In fact, 4Q also happened to see the largest DDoS attack ever recorded, with Cloudflare mitigating a 5.6 (Terabits per second) Tbps Mirai-variant botnet attack on one of their customers on October 29.
4Q 2024 demonstrated interesting patterns in attack intensity:
This quarter’s largest attack of 13.4 Gbps represents a decrease from 3Q 2024’s peak of 37.0 Gbps. For perspective, this is dramatically lower than 4Q 2023’s peak of 412.9 Gbps, indicating a significant shift in attack methodologies.
Key statistics for 4Q 2024:
Key statistics for 4Q 2024:
Comparing 4Q 2024 with recent quarters reveals several interesting trends:
This shows a significant escalation in attack frequency during 4Q.
While attack frequency increased, intensity continued to decrease throughout the year.
The decrease in affected customers coupled with the dramatic increase in attacks per customer suggests a shift toward more targeted campaigns.
Comparing 4Q 2024 to 4Q 2023 shows significant changes in the threat landscape:
The higher volume but lower intensity of attacks suggests a fundamental shift in attacker strategies, focusing on persistent, lower-threshold campaigns rather than high-impact events.
The concentration of attacks on fewer customers, with more attacks per target, indicates a move toward more sophisticated, focused operations.
The shorter average attack duration (17.6 minutes) combined with increased frequency suggests a tactical shift toward ‘pulse’ style attacks rather than sustained campaigns.
While individual attack intensities have decreased significantly year-over-year, the dramatic increase in frequency and focus on specific targets suggests an evolution in threat actors’ strategies. The pattern of increased 4Q activity appears to be holding true, though manifesting differently than in previous years.
Organisations should prepare for:
Our best-in-class DDoS solution continues to evolve and in recent months we have amplified our scrubbing capacity to 5+ Tbps, as well as increased our scrubbing centres geographically deployed across multiple continents. Locations include Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sao Paulo.
Key features of our mitigation solution:
DDoS protection should also form part of a wider, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. A 360-degree, end-to-end protection strategy should include DDoS mitigation solution as well as WAF/WAAP protection, MDR/EDR services, SIEM and SOC resources, VAPT assessments, backup solutions, and mobile device, phishing defence and MFA services.
This is the only way to have multiple protections in place for each attack type and to ensure the greatest level of resilience.
To learn more about how Continent 8 can help protect your organisation, contact a member of the team via sales@continent8.com or our Contact Us form.
O parceiro de serviços de infraestrutura e segurança cibernética da LATAM oferece orientação especializada para o estabelecimento de plataformas de jogos seguras, compatíveis e de latência ultrabaixa
A Continent 8 Technologies, fornecedora líder de soluções globais de hospedagem gerenciada, conectividade, nuvem e cibersegurança para a indústria de iGaming, estará no SBC Summit Rio 2025 no Stand B220.
No evento, os especialistas técnicos e da indústria da Continent 8 estarão à disposição para fornecer insights sobre o cumprimento da Portaria nº 722 do Brasil, que delineia o padrão técnico e de segurança cibernética específico e essencial para o lançamento de licenciados no mercado brasileiro. Os operadores devem estar em conformidade dentro de seis meses após a obtenção de suas licenças de jogos no mercado brasileiro.
Para apoiar o lançamento do Brasil, a Continent 8 oferece uma instalação de data center de última geração em São Paulo, juntamente com um conjunto completo de serviços para atender a rigorosos requisitos de alocação de dados, backup, recuperação de desastres e segurança cibernética. Além disso, a utilização específica da capacidade do cabo submarino do Brasil para Portugal minimiza a latência entre a Europa e a América Latina.
Ao seguir essa rota, em vez de passar pela América do Norte como outros provedores de nuvem na região, a Continent 8 oferece o melhor suporte às operações europeias voltadas para a região, melhorando a latência em mais de 40%. Esse suporte exclusivo e localizado, combinado com o planejamento global, permite que o mercado de jogos regulamentado brasileiro implemente rapidamente plataformas e operações de jogos seguras, compatíveis e de latência ultrabaixa.
O mercado LATAM é de considerável importância estratégica para a Continent 8. O provedor confiável de serviços de infraestrutura e segurança cibernética na região, a Continent 8 lançou pela primeira vez as operações da LATAM e do Caribe na Colômbia em 2020 e, desde então, expandiu suas localizações de data center e os melhores serviços gerenciados e profissionais da categoria para o Brasil, Curaçao, Peru e Porto Rico, com mais planos de expansão em andamento.
Luana Monje, Executiva de Vendas da Continent 8, disse: “A Continent 8 continua seu profundo investimento e compromisso com o mercado LATAM, sendo a recém-estabelecida jurisdição brasileira regulamentada uma prioridade máxima. Investimos em um novo data center e no fornecimento de serviços personalizados para atender a uma ampla gama de requisitos mandatados locais, incluindo latência, segurança cibernética, nuvem pública/privada, nuvem híbrida AWS e muito mais – tudo com o objetivo de fornecer a melhor experiência de lançamento e suporte de iGaming regulamentado.
“Estamos animados para continuar essa conversa no SBC Summit Rio e explorar como podemos apoiar suas iniciativas de jogos. Passe em nosso estande para saber por que somos o parceiro de infraestrutura e segurança cibernética, fornecendo velocidade e protegendo o setor há mais de 25 anos.”
Para agendar uma reunião no SBC Summit Rio, acesse: https://lp.continent8.com/latam-solutions ou envie um e-mail para sales@continent8.com.
LATAM’s go-to infrastructure and cybersecurity services partner provides expert guidance on establishing secure, compliant, ultra-low-latency gaming platforms
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions to the iGaming and online sports betting industry, will be at SBC Summit Rio 2025 at Stand B220.
At the event, Continent 8 technical and industry experts will on hand to provide insights on complying with Brazil’s Ordinance No. 722, which outlines the specific and essential technical and cybersecurity standard for licensees launching in the Brazilian market. Operators must comply within six months of obtaining their gaming licenses in the Latin American (LATAM) market.
To support Brazil’s launch, Continent 8 offers a state-of-the-art data centre facility in São Paulo, along with a complete suite of services to address rigorous data residency, backup, disaster recovery and cybersecurity requirements. Furthermore, the specific utilisation of submarine cable capacity from Brazil to Portugal minimises latency between Europe and LATAM. By taking this route, rather than via North America as other in-region cloud providers, Continent 8 provides the best support to European operations targeting the region by improving latency by over 40%. This unique, localised support, combined with global planning, enables the regulated Brazilian gaming market to rapidly deploy secure, compliant and ultra-low-latency gaming platforms and operations.
The LATAM market is of considerable strategic importance to Continent 8. The trusted infrastructure and cybersecurity services provider in the region, Continent 8 first launched LATAM and Caribbean operations in Colombia in 2020 and has since expanded its data centre locations and best-in-class managed and professional services to Brazil, Curaçao, Peru and Puerto Rico, with further expansion plans underway.
Luana Monje, Sales Executive at Continent 8 said, “Continent 8 continues its deep investment and commitment to the LATAM market, with the newly established regulated Brazilian jurisdiction being a top priority. We have invested in a new data centre and the provision of customised services to address a comprehensive range of local mandated requirements, including latency, cybersecurity, public/private cloud, AWS hybrid cloud, and more – all with the goal of providing the best regulated iGaming launch and support experience.
“We’re excited to continue this conversation at SBC Summit Rio and explore how we can support your gaming initiatives. Stop by our stand to learn why are the go-to infrastructure and cybersecurity partner, powering and protecting the industry for over 25 years.”
To schedule a meeting at SBC Summit Rio, visit: https://lp.continent8.com/latam-solutions or email sales@continent8.com.
The Super Bowl has once again set new records for sports wagering. While the final figures are still being confirmed, the American Gaming Association projected an unprecedented $1.39 billion in legal bets on Super Bowl LIX. Sportsbook companies such as FanDuel have already reported a 19% increase in bets compared to the previous year, reaching a new peak of 16.6 million bets from nearly three million active users.
During this historic Super Bowl weekend, Continent 8 Technologies, the leading industry provider of managed global hosting, connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions, served as the crucial backbone of the Super Bowl’s betting network, enabling the majority of bets worldwide. In this blog, we explore the detailed planning and preparation that support our customers during premier sporting events.
Preparation for the Super Bowl began well in advance of the event. In the last couple of years, we have invested heavily in strengthening our network relationships through our enhanced ‘Know Your Customer’ philosophy. This strategy includes launching and engaging in in-depth discussions at our Customer Advisory Board meetings, investing in executive sponsor programs and maintaining ongoing, insightful and strategic dialogues to address our customers’ current and future needs. This KYC approach ensures the creation of tailored, comprehensive road maps for each of our customers, enabling us to proactively anticipate and meet their needs through key support initiatives and activities, including the Super Bowl event
With the Super Bowl scheduled for the second Sunday of February, we prepared for the anticipated surge in internet activity. Edward O’Connor, our Chief Technical Officer, shares the technical strategy leading up the event. “Our technical preparation began months prior to the Super Bowl. This centred around infrastructure and network upgrades and optimisation – including bandwidth increases in all key peering and IX locations, cloud infrastructure refreshes, among other changes – to ensure an interruption-free operation.”
As the event approached, the team developed a detailed preparation checklist concentrated around five key pillars. The checklist included:
A typical Super Bowl game lasts about 3 hours and 37 minutes. However, our ‘live’ Super Bowl experience lasted over five days, from Thursday to Monday. Our dedicated team managed game-specific operations, while a company-wide communication channel was available for check-ins or service requests.
To enhance our efforts, additional staff and resources were deployed on game day, across multiple global security centres as well as on customer sites, monitoring and optimising network performance in real time.
Continent 8 teams monitoring network activity across our various ‘war rooms’.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, with a score of 40-22, ended without any network or connectivity issues, despite what Edward described as “record-breaking from an internet traffic perspective.”
Long after the players left the field, our team continued to oversee network activity to ensure ongoing stability of all customer operations. Our Major Incident Management ‘playbook’ was crucial, serving as both a guide and a reminder of the need for continuous process evaluation and improvement as we transition from one event to the next.
As the Super Bowl campaign wrapped up, Edward was pleased with the behind-the-scenes connectivity support we provided for our customers. He shared, “The entire Continent 8 team was instrumental in ensuring a flawless Super Bowl experience. This careful, meticulous planning underscored our commitment to delivering a reliable and unparalleled service to our customers, allowing millions of users to place their bets and engage with the event in real time.
“With Super Bowl LIX now concluded, next up for the US sporting market: NCAA March Madness!”
For over 25 years, we have been the leading provider of global managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions for the regulated iGaming and online sports betting industry. To learn more about how our best-in-class managed and professional services can power and protect your gaming platforms and operations, contact sales@continent8.com.
Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies, explores the benefits of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT).
Tribal casinos are experiencing substantial financial growth. As highlighted in my previous blog, 2023 was a landmark year for the tribal gaming sector, with revenues hitting a record $41.9 billion USD, as reported by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Consequently, tribal casinos are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, with reports suggesting a nearly 60% increase in cyber attacks on tribes in 2023.
With significant financial and personal data at stake, cybersecurity in tribal gaming and casino environments is a critical priority. But where should you start? In this blog, I’ll explain why Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is the perfect first step to bolster tribal gaming cybersecurity.
Let’s begin by defining VAPT. Craig Lusher, our Product Principal of Secure Solutions, describes VAPT as the following:
“VAPT is defined as a comprehensive set of cybersecurity services that helps organizations identify, assess and mitigate vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure, applications and networks. Periodic Vulnerability Assessments (VAs) scan to detect exploitable vulnerabilities in customer networks and infrastructure and record them in a register, prioritizing remedial work and demonstrating continuous improvement. Penetration Tests (PTs) use identified vulnerabilities to further exploit and gain access, testing the efficacy of preventative security measures, procedures and technology.”
By simulating real-world cyber attacks, pentesting enables tribal casino IT and cybersecurity teams to identify system weaknesses and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This strategy not only strengthens the casino environment but also ensures that cybersecurity measures remain robust and adaptable to evolving threats.
VAPT aims to establish what we at Continent 8 call a “hardened cybersecurity posture.”
A hardened cybersecurity posture integrates multiple protective layers, adhering to best practices for adaptability to threats and changes. It begins with technical controls such as network segmentation, access management and encryption, complemented by active defenses including web application and API protection, intrusion detection and cybersecurity monitoring. This approach is guided by policies and procedures for incident response and risk management.
The core components of a hardened cybersecurity posture create a robust defense system. Technical controls prevent attacks, while monitoring systems identify threats. Regular assessments are conducted to uncover vulnerabilities and governance ensures consistent implementation. This comprehensive approach ensures that even if one safeguard fails, multiple other layers remain to protect assets.
Implementing VAPT protocols is a beneficial practice for any tribal gaming organization. These measures not only bolster cybersecurity but also streamline internal and external audits.
By maintaining detailed records of testing and remediation efforts, casinos can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity to auditors. This transparency not only aids in passing audits but also enhances the casino’s reputation as a reliable and secure establishment.
Regular penetration testing provides tribal casinos with ongoing monitoring and enhancement of cybersecurity protocols, helping them stay ahead of potential cyber threats. This ensures a safer and more secure environment for both operations and players, while also building trust with internal and external parties and stakeholders. This proactive approach, again, is vital in preserving the casino’s integrity and reputation.
When choosing penetration testing tools for tribal casino and gaming cybersecurity, select tools that offer comprehensive coverage, capable of evaluating a wide range of vulnerabilities across multiple systems and applications.
A comprehensive VAPT service should encompass the following:
For more information on VAPT or to book a meeting with me at TribalHub Cybersecurity Summit or the Indian Game Tradeshow (Booth 18), contact me at jerad.swimmer@continent8.com.
Continent 8 provides comprehensive, multi-layered threat prevention, detection and response solutions to secure your tribal organization’s digital assets in the face of evolving cyber threats. For more information on how Continent 8 can support your cybersecurity initiatives, email sales@continent.com or fill out our Contact Us page.
Also, be sure to watch the latest episode in our Tribal Talks: Cybersecurity Unlocked podcast series – also available on Spotify – to gain a deeper understanding of the technological advancements, cybersecurity challenges and best practices shaping tribal gaming landscape.