Data security and confidentiality in social casinos
Introduction
Social casinos work with virtual chips, but at the same time collect and process personal data of users: through registration, social login, in-app purchases and interaction with advertisements. Incorrect privacy policies or vulnerabilities can lead to leaks, compromised accounts and reputational losses. This article contains specific methods and standards necessary for the safe and legal operation of social casinos.
1. Minimizing data collection
1. OAuth and social logins
Use only trusted providers (Facebook, Google), requesting minimum rights (email, public profile).
Do not store the user's password - rely on the provider's token and update it according to the OAuth2 standard.
2. Absence of KYC
Since there is no real-money, no passport data and documents are required.
Limit collection to email address and date of birth only (to limit access to minors).
3. Anonymous profiles
Do not link a phone number or physical address to accounts.
For game achievements, a unique ID generated on the server side is enough.
2. Data encryption
1. TLS/HTTPS
All client requests to the server must go over HTTPS with TLS 1. 2 + and modern ciphers (AES-GCM).
HSTS header and HTTP/2 to mitigate MITM risks.
2. Encryption in the database
Store personal data (email, tokens) encrypted (AES-256) on the server.
Separate key-management: encryption keys must be stored in a dedicated HSM (Hardware Security Module).
3. Confidentiality of transactions
Payment logs and rewarded video should not contain personal data.
Requests to payment gateways (Google IAP, Apple IAP) via backend, not directly from the client.
3. Compliance with international requirements
1. GDPR (European Union)
Right to be forgotten - Provide the user with an interface to request that all data be exported and deleted.
Privacy by design: all new features are developed taking into account the minimization of personal data.
Data Processing Agreement: enter into agreements with partners and SDK providers that oblige them to comply with GDPR.
2. COPPA (USA, children under 13 years old)
Do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 without parental consent.
Limit the age threshold in the settings and block minors from entering when registering.
3. Australian Privacy Principles (APP)
Transparency: publish a clear privacy policy on the site and within the application.
Cross-border disclosure: if data is sent abroad, notify the user about it.
4. Client security
1. Source Code Protection
Minimize and obfuscate JavaScript (PWA) and native code (APK/IPA) to protect against reverse engineering.
Do not store API keys and secrets in the client - use short-lived tokens issued through backend.
2. Third Party SDK Control
Run advertising and analytical SDKs (AdMob, Unity Ads, Firebase, Adjust) in isolated containers so that they cannot access personal data.
Periodically update the SDK and check their privacy and security status.
3. Anti-cheat and anti-fraud
Implement an application integrity check (App Attestation/SafetyNet).
Monitor abnormal activities (mass microtransactions, scripting traffic) and block suspicious clients.
5. Server Side Security and DevOps
1. Isolation of services
Separate game servers, authorization and payments into different microservices with separate network zones and firewall rules.
2. CI/CD and Version Control
Enable vulnerability scans (SAST/DAST) in the CI phase.
Update dependencies regularly and use signed container images.
3. Monitoring and audit logs
Collect centralized logs of access and errors (ELK/Graylog), store them in write-only mode.
Configure alerts for suspicious requests, multiple failed authorizations, or DDoS patterns.
6. Incident Handling Policy
1. Response plan
Identify those responsible for monitoring, inventory, and communication of leaks.
Prepare notification templates for users and regulators.
2. Testing and forensics
Conduct regular penetration tests (at least 2 times a year).
After the incident, analyze logs, patch vulnerabilities and publish a report for internal and external stakeholders.
Conclusion
Security and privacy in social casinos is achieved by a combination of minimizing personal data collection, strong encryption, GDPR/COPPA/APP compliance, client and server code protection, and a clear incident response policy. These measures provide users with protection, and developers with stable work without reputational and legal risks.
Social casinos work with virtual chips, but at the same time collect and process personal data of users: through registration, social login, in-app purchases and interaction with advertisements. Incorrect privacy policies or vulnerabilities can lead to leaks, compromised accounts and reputational losses. This article contains specific methods and standards necessary for the safe and legal operation of social casinos.
1. Minimizing data collection
1. OAuth and social logins
Use only trusted providers (Facebook, Google), requesting minimum rights (email, public profile).
Do not store the user's password - rely on the provider's token and update it according to the OAuth2 standard.
2. Absence of KYC
Since there is no real-money, no passport data and documents are required.
Limit collection to email address and date of birth only (to limit access to minors).
3. Anonymous profiles
Do not link a phone number or physical address to accounts.
For game achievements, a unique ID generated on the server side is enough.
2. Data encryption
1. TLS/HTTPS
All client requests to the server must go over HTTPS with TLS 1. 2 + and modern ciphers (AES-GCM).
HSTS header and HTTP/2 to mitigate MITM risks.
2. Encryption in the database
Store personal data (email, tokens) encrypted (AES-256) on the server.
Separate key-management: encryption keys must be stored in a dedicated HSM (Hardware Security Module).
3. Confidentiality of transactions
Payment logs and rewarded video should not contain personal data.
Requests to payment gateways (Google IAP, Apple IAP) via backend, not directly from the client.
3. Compliance with international requirements
1. GDPR (European Union)
Right to be forgotten - Provide the user with an interface to request that all data be exported and deleted.
Privacy by design: all new features are developed taking into account the minimization of personal data.
Data Processing Agreement: enter into agreements with partners and SDK providers that oblige them to comply with GDPR.
2. COPPA (USA, children under 13 years old)
Do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 without parental consent.
Limit the age threshold in the settings and block minors from entering when registering.
3. Australian Privacy Principles (APP)
Transparency: publish a clear privacy policy on the site and within the application.
Cross-border disclosure: if data is sent abroad, notify the user about it.
4. Client security
1. Source Code Protection
Minimize and obfuscate JavaScript (PWA) and native code (APK/IPA) to protect against reverse engineering.
Do not store API keys and secrets in the client - use short-lived tokens issued through backend.
2. Third Party SDK Control
Run advertising and analytical SDKs (AdMob, Unity Ads, Firebase, Adjust) in isolated containers so that they cannot access personal data.
Periodically update the SDK and check their privacy and security status.
3. Anti-cheat and anti-fraud
Implement an application integrity check (App Attestation/SafetyNet).
Monitor abnormal activities (mass microtransactions, scripting traffic) and block suspicious clients.
5. Server Side Security and DevOps
1. Isolation of services
Separate game servers, authorization and payments into different microservices with separate network zones and firewall rules.
2. CI/CD and Version Control
Enable vulnerability scans (SAST/DAST) in the CI phase.
Update dependencies regularly and use signed container images.
3. Monitoring and audit logs
Collect centralized logs of access and errors (ELK/Graylog), store them in write-only mode.
Configure alerts for suspicious requests, multiple failed authorizations, or DDoS patterns.
6. Incident Handling Policy
1. Response plan
Identify those responsible for monitoring, inventory, and communication of leaks.
Prepare notification templates for users and regulators.
2. Testing and forensics
Conduct regular penetration tests (at least 2 times a year).
After the incident, analyze logs, patch vulnerabilities and publish a report for internal and external stakeholders.
Conclusion
Security and privacy in social casinos is achieved by a combination of minimizing personal data collection, strong encryption, GDPR/COPPA/APP compliance, client and server code protection, and a clear incident response policy. These measures provide users with protection, and developers with stable work without reputational and legal risks.
