Incident: NSW cashless gambling trial to focus on data security after hack of smaller pilot program | The Guardian
Australian Gambling Ransomware Attack, 24 June 2023
Wests Newcastle shuts down cashless gambling trail after digital payment processing firm Banktech experienced a ransomware attack
Backtech told Wests that no personal data had been compromised.
It was revealed this week that a trial at Wests Newcastle – run with poker machine company Aristocrat Gaming and digital payment processing firm Banktech – was targeted in a ransomware attack.
The state’s gaming minister, David Harris, made the assurances after a trial at a major Newcastle venue had to be shut down after it was targeted by a ransomware attack.
Wests then terminated the trial, which was nearing completion.
“Our digital wallet technology provider, Banktech, has informed us of a cyber incident in the digital wallet infrastructure that they provide to Wests,” the Wests Group Australia’s chief executive, Philip Gardner, said.
“The service provider, responsible for the digital wallet infrastructure, has taken immediate action by engaging the expertise of a security specialist, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.”
Backtech told Wests that no personal data has been compromised.
Detectives from the NSW police cybercrime squad were investigating the alleged ransomware attack, alongside Cyber Security NSW.
“The matter is being investigated under Strike Force Orcus,” a spokesperson said.
