- Hackers didn’t need Paddy Power and Betfair -Users Passwords to start building targeted scams using personal betting activity
- Even without card information can stolen E emails and IPs operate very compelling fraud attempt
- Gamblers are now primary targets for phishing -messages that are tailored to their habits
A major violation of data affecting up to 800,000 users of two popular online betting platforms has raised concerns about phishing -risk and artificial intelligence role in utilizing exposed personal data.
The incident, confirmed by Flutter Entertainment, the parent company with Paddy Power and Betfair, compromised user IP addresses, e -mail addresses and online activity linked to individual gaming accounts.
Although no passwords or payment information were exposed, CyberSecurity experts warned that the stolen data could still be used to mount high targeted attacks.
Passwords are safe but you have to remain vigilant
Flutter, which operates several major game brands, including Sky Bet and Tombola, recognized the violation and described it as a “data incitement” that has since been contained.
The company has told users that there is, “nothing you need to do in response to this incident,” even if they were asked to remain vigilant.
With 4.2 million average monthly players across its British and Irish platforms, the exposure of even a fraction of its user base could be severe.
Harley Morlet, Chief Marketing Officer at Storm Guidance, warned those who regularly spend large amounts of money on these sites could be at greater risk.
“With AI’s emergency, I think it would actually be very easy to build a large scale automatic attack,” he told the BBCs Today program.
“Basically with a focus on creating messages that look appealing to these gamblers.”
Tim Rawlins, director and senior adviser to the NCC group, repeated these concerns and urged customers to be wary of E emails reflecting their personal betting patterns.
“You may come into your credit card number, you may be able to enter your bank account information, that’s the kind of thing people need to be looking for and pay attention to that kind of threat.”
“If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scammer coming after your money,” he added.
Rawlins also stated that AI is making phishing trials more difficult to detect, noting an increase in the refinement of fake E emails.
The risk is especially acute in spear phishing campaigns where stolen data is used to tailor messages that closely mimic legitimate correspondence.
For users who are now wondering how to protect themselves, it may not be enough to rely on a free antivirus or even a standard Android antivirus app.
While an antivirus solution can block well -known malware, it is less effective against wise written e emails that coax victims to disclose sensitive information yourself.
Instead, a layered approach that includes caution, skepticism and good cyber hygiene remains the best defense.
