Are you familiar with the World Lottery Association Security Control Standard? Do you know what Lottery Hardening is, why it is so important and how to apply it? You will find the answers to these questions in this guide.
What is the WLA-SCS?
The World Lottery Association Security Control Standard (WLA-SCS) is an internationally recognized security standard developed specifically for the lottery industry.
This standard contains a set of requirements and best practices aimed at ensuring the integrity, confidentiality and availability of lottery systems. By complying with the WLA-SCS, lottery and sports betting operators can ensure that their security measures meet the highest international standards.
The Security and Risk Management Committee (SRMC) of the World Lottery Association (WLA) has developed the Security Control Standard (SCS). The committee regularly reviews and updates the standards.
What are the objectives of the WLA-SCS?
The WLA-SCS was introduced in response to the increasing threats and challenges faced by lottery and sports betting operators. With digitalization and connectivity, lottery systems have become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, data leaks and other security incidents.
The WLA-SCS was developed to counter these threats and provide a framework for effective security measures. By implementing the WLA-SCS, operators can secure their systems more effectively and efficiently against a wide range of threats.
How are WLA-SCS and ISO 27001 related?
The WLA-SCS is closely linked to ISO 27001 for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This is because the standard, which was last revised in October 2022, is a globally recognized standard that specifies requirements for the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of an ISMS. Many of the WLA-SCS requirements are based on these principles.
For example, certification to WLA-SCS Level 2 requires compliance with ISO 27001, which means that operators certified to WLA-SCS must also meet the stringent requirements of the standard. This close link ensures that lottery operators’ security measures meet the highest international standards – and that they are continuously reviewed and improved.
What is Lottery Hardening?
System Hardening refers to a series of measures aimed at securing IT systems against threats and minimizing their vulnerabilities. As the World Lottery Association Security Control Standard is based on the requirements of ISO 27001, IT security managers at lottery operators must implement professional System Hardening, among other things.
Lottery Hardening is therefore the preventive protection of lottery systems. Various techniques and measures are used to significantly reduce the number of vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
Lottery Hardening: How can the degree of hardening be measured?
Is it possible to find out how well a system has been hardened according to the latest or even the strictest specifications? Yes! Use the free AuditTAP for this check.
⏬ AuditTAP: Download at GitHub
AuditTAP performs a hardening audit by checking the Secure Configuration of the desired target system according to various established standards. Within a few minutes, you will receive a report that shows how well your lottery system is hardened and where there is still potential for optimization.
Automated Lottery Hardening: How does it work?
Hardening systems can be very time-consuming and costly, especially if you need to securely configure hundreds or even thousands of systems. Manual System Hardening as well as hardening via GPOs makes little sense, especially for small and/or busy IT departments.
Automatic System Hardening is much better and more efficient. Use our Enforce Administrator for example. With the no-code tool, you can carry out comprehensive hardening of your lottery systems with little effort.
The hardening tool independently monitors all configurations. If accidental or deliberate changes are made, Enforce Administrator automatically reverses them. This creates a kind of “self-healing system”.
✅ Enforce Administrator: More Information
Conclusion
The implementation of the WLA-SCS and Lottery Hardening are crucial steps to ensure the security and integrity of lottery IT systems. By complying with international standards and applying best security practices, lottery and sports betting operators can secure their systems against the growing threats in the digital world.
Do you have questions about System Hardening in general? Or do you need support with Lottery Hardening? Get in touch with us – our experts will be happy to help you!
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