Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. has confirmed a cybersecurity breach, identified as a ransomware attack, which led to the temporary closure of its 14 properties in Ontario. Initially reported as an IT disruption, the incident began on April 16, forcing the cessation of operations at venues including Casino Rama Resort. The company, which employs about 7,000 individuals, has been addressing the cyberattack and is in the process of planning to restart operations, although no specific date for reopening has been set. The attack underscores the growing cybersecurity threats faced by major sectors in Ontario, coming months after a similar incident targeted the province’s cannabis distribution network.
In the wake of the attack, Gateway Casinos, a major player in the Canadian gaming industry since 1992 and headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, has been diligently working to assess the extent of data compromise. This includes determining whether sensitive operational information or personal data of employees and customers has been affected. The company has engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough investigation and has notified appropriate privacy, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies about the incident.
This cybersecurity incident highlights a broader issue of increasing cyber threats against significant industries within Ontario. Just months prior, the Ontario Cannabis Store, the province’s legal cannabis distributor, experienced a similar ransomware attack, affecting its third-party distribution and temporarily halting product deliveries.
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment’s proactive response and ongoing investigation into the cyberattack reflect the challenges and necessary steps organizations must take to protect against and respond to cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining trust with stakeholders.