A major gaming corporation in Australia, Federal Group, has verified that a cyberattack caused the shutdown of two Tasmanian casino properties.
This digital security breach, happening on April 3rd, 2021, impacted gaming terminals and lodging reservation platforms at both the Wrest Point (shown) and Country Club gambling venues.
Although gaming machines resumed operation after a ten-day disruption, the organization remains uncertain about a complete return to normalcy. The status of any potential credit card or client information breach also remains unclear.
“Due to the diligence of our staff and outside specialists, particularly during the Easter holiday, we have contained the event itself,” stated Federal Group Executive Director, Daniel Hanna.
“The Australian Cyber Security Centre is aware and collaborating with pertinent law enforcement bodies regarding the ongoing digital investigation.”
The corporation states that internal and external cybersecurity professionals are examining the event.
This service interruption will likely result in substantial financial losses for the company.
ABC News reports that, based on the preceding eight months, the corporation’s casinos generated an average monthly revenue of $6.7 million AUD ($5.1 million USD) from gaming machines, totaling $53.7 million AUD.
Former federal senator and Tasmanian government official Terry Aulich expressed astonishment at the lack of preparedness for a cyberattack within Tasmanian casinos.
Olrich thinks a risky misapprehension exists in Tasmania. A lot of Tasmanians assume that external events, like cyberattacks or other calamities, won’t impact them. This is entirely false. Cyber offenders habitually prey on the most susceptible, and sadly, Tasmania frequently matches that profile.