Cybersecurity Risks of Sports Betting at Work

With the recent legalization of sports betting in Ohio, a number of people have begun taking up a new hobby. However, some people have found themselves with extra downtime at work and have started to take part in sports betting while on the job. There are many cybersecurity risks of sports betting at work that employees and employers alike are often unaware of, so covering the basics can protect you and your workforce.

Cybersecurity Concerns Resulting from Sports Betting

As mentioned, there are a number of risks of sports betting at work that are important for both employers and employees to be aware of. The primary cause of cybersecurity concerns stems from the fact that many employees choose to use company property, whether a computer or even the WiFi, to make their bets online.

When these bets are made using company property, a business becomes exposed to cyberattacks from digital criminals who seek to steal financial data, passwords, confidential information, and more from hacking company databases. Even sites viewed as secure are not immune, as DraftKings suffered a data breach in 2022 that allowed consumer data to slip through the cracks.

This data can be used to identify and target certain individuals who may be connected to an organization that a cybercriminal wishes to exploit through a cyberattack.

Staying Protected While Sports Betting: 5 Key Tips to Follow

To avoid opening up your company to the above cyberattacks as well as other risks of sports betting at work, use the following five tips.

1. Use a service with multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication is when a user is only granted access upon verifying two or more forms of authentication. A common example is providing users with login information and an additional random code through separate software or hardware. Other forms include combining passwords with biometric information such as fingerprints or facial scans. Hackers may compromise their username/password information, but they can’t gain access to the rotating code on the token.

2. Inform your workplace of best practices

Education is one of the best defenses against cyberattacks. Anytime new legislation such as the legalization of sports betting in Ohio is introduced, you should re-inform your workplace about what is and isn’t allowed. Outline why sports betting sites aren’t allowed to be accessed at work, emphasizing that it gives cybercriminals a door into attacking the company.

3. Train employees to recognize cyberattacks

The employees themselves are the next best line of defense against cyberattacks. Make employees take cybersecurity training that teaches the common signs of cyberattacks so that your employees recognize when they are being scammed or hacked.

4. Keep antivirus software up to date

Your employees will only be able to stop so much, which is why buffing your network security is an absolute anytime new legislation is passed. Ensure your antivirus software is in working order and enhance the firewalls around your company network.

5. Limit approved websites when connected to company WiFi

Finally, one of the best ways to mitigate the risks of sports betting at work is to not allow access to any related sites while on company WiFi. For companies on the cloud, don’t allow employees to access those sites using remote software such as a virtual desktop.

Keep your Ohio-based company protected

While the legalization of sports betting in Ohio is an exciting event, it’s important to adapt properly to this change. This means adjusting your workplace’s security measures to exclude sites that normally wouldn’t have been on your list, reeducation your workforce on best cybersecurity practices, and ensuring adequate antivirus software is in place. If your business is in Columbus, Cleveland, or Akron, and you need assistance with setting up specific cybersecurity or IT-related software, reach out to our team of experts today!