G DATA Software AG: Antivirus, Virenschutz, Virenscanner, Internet Security

Meanwhile, the big and serious poker sites have adopted adequate security measures, spending effort and attention to this matter to offer their users a secure platform. Unfortunately, no such guarantees can be made about the computers of most of the users. Those form the weak link in this security chain and are therefore the target of cybercriminals.

 

There are four common types of attacks:

 

1. One of the most common systems used by cybercriminals is sending spam e-mails whose content usually guarantees a credit (often of hundreds of pounds) to be spent on a certain online casino. Money is used here as a bait to attract unsuspicious players and make them give their personal data.

 

2. Very often, spam mails have links that lead the user to phishing sites built with the sole purpose to steal the user’s personal data (login and password). 

 

3. Cybercriminals also use spyware and malware (mostly Trojans), to get to a user’s passwords. It is easy to get infected with this malware. Downloading an infected file or visiting an infected website is enough to have it downloaded and installed into the system, without the user even noticing this. 

 

4. Another tactic cybercriminals use is offering poker players special (illegal) software which, for instance, allows a player to see their opponent’s cards. In the best case scenario, the receiver buys this fake software for real money. In worse cases, his credit card is misused after the transaction, or the purchased software contains spyware and malware.  

 

Facing this series of dangers, it is then appropriate to implement simple but effective protective measures:

-          Install a security suite and keep it updated

-          Delete immediately any mail containing money offers or illegal software for online casinos

-          Keep the firewall active in the way to avoid any intrusion on the PC

-          Play online, only and exclusively on safe websites