Swimmer, an enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band, brings a wealth of experience in technology and cybersecurity to the Council
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and tribal gaming industry, is proud to announce that Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director, has been appointed as an Advisor to the Tribal Leadership Council (TLC). This prestigious appointment recognizes Jerad’s deep expertise and commitment to advancing technology solutions and robust cybersecurity strategies that support Tribal sovereignty and economic development.
The Tribal Leadership Council is a national organization committed to advancing the sovereignty, leadership, and long-term sustainability of Tribal nations across the United States. The TLC today announced the appointment of three new Advisors – Jerad Swimmer, Shane Urry, and Michael Kim.
As an enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band, Swimmer brings a wealth of experience in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and strategic partnerships across Indian Country. His career includes leadership roles in compliance and gaming regulation, providing him with a unique perspective on the intersection of digital innovation and protection, and Tribal enterprise.
“Being appointed as an Advisor to the Tribal Leadership Council is an incredible honor,” said Jerad Swimmer. “I look forward to collaborating with the admired Board of Directors and fellow Advisors to drive initiatives that strengthen sovereignty and create sustainable opportunities for Tribal communities. Technology and cybersecurity play a vital role in this journey, and I’m excited to contribute my experience to support these efforts.”
Jerad Swimmer will be attending GSATS Phoenix 2025 and is speaking on the panel titled ‘Tribal Gaming – Unique Challenges and Opportunities’ on November 13. To arrange a show meeting, please visit www.continent8.com or contact sales@continent8.com.
Continent 8 Technologies’ Regional Sales Director, Jerad Swimmer, and Principal Solutions Architect, Tony Engel, recently attended TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow.
Here, Jerad and Tony share their key takeaways from the show.
Tony Engel (TE): It was another great event. The show was noticeably larger this year, with considerable growth in participation and an impressive expansion in educational track sessions, which was great to see.
Jerad Swimmer (JS): I absolutely agree with Tony – it was another great event! We had the opportunity to engage with CIOs, CTOs, CSOs, IT directors, IT managers and security analysts, demonstrating active interest from all levels of IT infrastructure and security leadership.
TE: A notable theme from this year’s event was the continued advancement of cybersecurity maturity across the industry. Attendees displayed deep technical expertise and a proactive commitment to implementing cybersecurity strategies, whether it’s security operations centers (SOCs) or vulnerability assessment and penetration tests (VAPTs). I can see the tides are changing, and they’re changing fast, which is great to see through the lens of a cybersecurity professional.
JS: 100%! Cybersecurity dominated our discussions, with significant interest in pen testing, the latest threat detection and response approaches, as well as the real-world benefits of cyber training and simulation methods to strengthen the human element within an organization’s security posture.
It was also interesting to see the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as a key presentation track at this year’s event. I had the opportunity to attend some of the sessions which explored AI’s role as both a protective and adversarial entity and insights into how tribal casinos can monitor and protect their operations.
TE: As I mentioned earlier, cybersecurity evolves quickly, and this necessitates ongoing discussions with managed security service providers (MSSPs) to ensure the adoption of leading best practices. The increased visibility of cybersecurity as a core presentation track at the conference demonstrates the industry’s commitment to making cybersecurity a strategic priority, which is reassuring to see.
JS: Threat intelligence was a focal point at TribalNet, with tribal organizations actively seeking to integrate this capability into their security frameworks. The tribal gaming community will be pleased to hear that Continent 8 has just launched Threat Exchange – the industry’s first dedicated cyber threat intelligence (CTI) platform. Purpose-built for the gaming community, this platform delivers actionable intelligence, providing tribal gaming entities with exclusive insights into emerging threats. This development enables tribal organizations to now make informed decisions and implement advanced measures to enhance the security of their gaming environments.
If you’re also looking to further the conversation on cybersecurity for tribal gaming, we invite you to visit Booth #4235 at G2E Las Vegas, from October 7-9. Book a meeting today and we’ll be happy to schedule a time with you at the show: https://lp.continent8.com/global-gaming-expo-2025
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.
Download the tribal cybersecurity checklist to start your proactive cybersecurity journey.
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.
Tribal Talks: Cybersecurity Unlocked
Following the release of the National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) report, Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies, provides a mid-year report on the state of tribal gaming in 2025.
On July 31, the NIGC published its annual GGR report, highlighting a record-setting $43.9 billion in revenue for FY 2024. This achievement reflects a 4.6% year-over-year increase, representing growth of $2 billion, with data collected from 532 gaming operations run by 243 federally recognized tribes across 29 states. In the NIGC press statement, Acting NIGC Chairwoman Sharon Avery remarked:
“This year’s GGR reflects not only the resilience of the tribal gaming industry, but also the dedication of tribal leadership in preserving and growing this important economic driver for their communities. The continued success of Indian gaming is a testament to the strong tribal governance and the sound regulation that protects the integrity of the industry.”
These figures emphasize the critical economic contribution of tribal gaming, supporting essential initiatives across employment, infrastructure, education and social services within tribal communities. Yet, as the tribal gaming industry’s financial impact continues to expand, so does its exposure to cyber threat actors aiming to benefit from this growth.
Over the past year, the industry has witnessed significant cyber incidents. In April of last year, a tribal casino was forced to suspend its operations following a cyber breach and advised patrons to monitor account activity for potential unauthorized access. In February of this year, one tribe experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted telecommunications and IT systems across multiple tribal entities, including casino operations.
During recent key industry events – including the OIGA Conference and Trade Show, the Indian Gaming Convention and Tradeshow (IGA) and the TribalHub Cybersecurity Summit – our team has also received direct reports of numerous cybersecurity incidents. These events have resulted in a range of financial, operational and reputational impacts for affected organizations. These forums have provided tribal casinos, gaming commissions and government bodies in Indian Country with valuable opportunities to share their cybersecurity challenges and engage with experts on effective threat mitigation strategies.
Given the ongoing and evolving cyber threat landscape, tribal gaming organizations must adopt a proactive cybersecurity posture – operating with an ‘assume breach’ mindset and prioritizing resilience. Robust measures are essential to safeguard infrastructure, player data, critical platforms and preserve tribal sovereignty. Recommended best practices for comprehensive cyber defense include:
As a trusted Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), we partner with tribal gaming organizations – including Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission (TGC), ShowNation, Tachi Palace Casino Resort – to foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, strengthen organizational security posture and ensure long-term operational resiliency.
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 listen back to 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.
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) service enables the independent gaming commission to test IT infrastructure for vulnerabilities
Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions for the tribal gaming industry, supports Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission (TGC) with its proven Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) services.
The Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission is the independent tribal gaming regulatory authority established in 1993 under Chapter 16 of the Cherokee Code of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).Charged with the duty to ensure fairness and integrity of the gaming activities within its facilities, the commission enlisted Continent 8, and its cybersecurity division, C8 Secure, to conduct pen testing.
The VAPT service provides a comprehensive security assessment of an organizations infrastructure and applications. Often mandated by regulation, it helps organizations measure the real-world effectiveness of their security controls and incident response capabilities. Additionally, the service provides actionable insights, including prioritized recommendations and industry best practices to address identified vulnerabilities and strengthen overall cybersecurity posture.
Emra Arkansas, Executive Director at Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission said: We are sincerely grateful to Continent 8, especially Patrick Gardner, Anthony Engel and Jerad Swimmer, for their partnership and recognition of our ongoing cybersecurity initiatives. The Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission remains firmly committed to protecting not only our critical infrastructure but also the sovereignty that underpins our regulatory authority. In an era of growing cyber threats, safeguarding Tribal IT systems is more than a technical priority, it is a sovereign responsibility. With Continent 8s trusted expertise, we are proud to set a higher standard for cybersecurity in Indian Country, ensuring our operations remain secure, resilient and self-determined.
Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8 said:In response to todays evolving cyber threat landscape, the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission is working to establish a new standard in cybersecurity and we are proud to support this important initiative. Their proactive efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure reflect a deep and ongoing investment in cybersecurity resilience.”
Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 added: “It was a pleasure collaborating with the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission in conducting a comprehensive evaluation of their IT infrastructure. Their team has shown a tremendous awareness of the escalating cybersecurity challenges within the tribal gaming sector. It is encouraging to see both enterprises and regulatory authorities actively enhancing their cybersecurity measures.”
For more information on how Continent 8 can support your cybersecurity initiatives or to schedule a no-obligation Cybersecurity Readiness Consultation, contact Regional Sales Director, Jerad Swimmer, at jerad.swimmer@continent8.com.
Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies, explores the benefits of a cybersecurity checklist to safeguard your tribal gaming operations against emerging cyber threats and attacks.
Safeguarding your business can be daunting, and you might be asking yourself ‘where do I begin?’ To address this, we have prepared a cybersecurity checklist to help you identify possible weaknesses.
First, let us set the scene with the current state of play and why you need to prioritize cybersecurity in today’s world.
The tribal gaming industry is a vibrant and vital part of many Native American communities, providing not only entertainment but also significant economic benefits. However, this industry is increasingly falling under the crosshairs of sophisticated cybercriminals. These bad actors aim to disrupt operations, steal sensitive patron data and extort ransom payments. The stakes are high, with the potential impact extending beyond the casino floors to tribal governments, health services and community trust.
Cyber threats in tribal gaming are diverse and evolving. For example, ransomware attacks have become more prevalent, demonstrating a devastating capacity to bring operations to a standstill. A recent notable incident involved a ransomware attack that compromised all internet servers and data, with the attackers demanding up to $500,000 to restore services. These incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures tailored to the unique environment of tribal casinos.
The consequences of a cyber attack on a tribal casino can be far-reaching. Beyond the immediate financial losses and operational disruptions, there is a profound impact on the trust and confidence of the community. Patrons expect their personal and financial information to be secure, and any breach can lead to a significant erosion of trust.
To effectively combat cyber threats, tribal casinos need to adopt a multi-faceted cybersecurity strategy. This involves not just technological solutions but also organizational practices and policies. The foundation of such a strategy includes:
Continent 8, supported by our dedicated cybersecurity company, C8 Secure, is a trusted partner for tribal nations and gaming enterprises. Our cybersecurity services are tailored to meet the unique needs of tribal governments, regulators and casino operators.
Our capabilities include:
We are trusted by a diverse array of tribal gaming casinos and organizations, including ShowNation, Tachi Palace Casino Resort, among others.
Don’t wait for an incident to discover whether you’re vulnerable. By taking these proactive steps, tribal casinos can fortify their defenses, ensuring uninterrupted operations and maintaining the trust of their communities.
Secure your tribal gaming operations by accessing this detailed checklist.
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.
Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies, explores the remarkable surge in tribal gaming revenues and its implications for cybersecurity.
The year 2023 marked a significant milestone in the tribal gaming industry, with revenues reaching an all-time high of $41.9 billion USD, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission. Advisory firm Wipfli noted that this marked the fourth consecutive year of revenue growth for tribal casinos. This remarkable growth reflects the increasing popularity and expansion of tribal casinos across the United States.
The impressive revenue figures are a testament to the hard work and innovation within the industry, highlighting the importance of tribal gaming as a vital economic driver for many tribal communities. However, with great success comes great responsibility, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
As tribal casinos flourish financially, they become attractive targets for cybercriminals. The surge in revenue has unfortunately been paralleled by a rise in cyber threats aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities within these establishments, with one source indicating that cyber attacks on tribes surged by almost 60% in 2023.
Cyber attacks on tribal casinos can range from data breaches to ransomware attacks, each with the potential to cause significant financial and reputational damage. The increasing sophistication of these threats demands a proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity to protect both the assets and the patrons of tribal gaming operations.
Several high-profile cybersecurity incidents have underscored the vulnerabilities within the tribal gaming sector. For instance, a tribal casino recently experienced a three-week closure due to an undisclosed cybersecurity incident. Casino officials advised previous guests to monitor their financial and credit card statements for any potential issues.
Another notable incident involved a ransomware attack that compromised all internet servers and data, with the attackers demanding up to $500,000 to restore services. These incidents highlight the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard the integrity of tribal gaming enterprises.
To counter the escalating cyber threats, tribal casinos must adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. This includes implementing advanced threat prevention, detection and response systems, regular security audits and continuous employee training to recognize and mitigate potential threats.
Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, such as firewalls and mobile endpoint protection, can significantly enhance the security posture of tribal gaming operations. Collaborating with cybersecurity experts and adopting industry best practices are also pivotal steps in fortifying defenses against cyber attacks.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, tribal casinos can leverage innovative technologies and solutions to enhance their cybersecurity posture and ensure 360-degree protection. Key solutions include:
As tribal gaming continues to thrive, the critical role of cybersecurity becomes increasingly evident.
In response to the escalating threat of advanced cyber attacks targeting tribal governments and organizations, the Department of Homeland Security announced on July 1, 2024, the allocation of over $18.2 million USD in grants to 32 tribal governments. These inaugural grants, issued under the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP), represent a commitment to supporting tribal communities and gaming organizations in overcoming cybersecurity challenges within their digital infrastructures and environments.
By prioritizing cybersecurity in 2025 and beyond, tribal casinos can ensure sustained growth and resilience, safeguarding their revenues and reputation in an increasingly digital world. The path forward involves a balanced approach that combines innovation and vigilance, ensuring the prosperity and longevity of the tribal gaming sector.
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.