For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michael Odle
(202) 632-7003
Mono Wind Casino first to receive new IT Vulnerability Assessment service from the National Indian Gaming Commission
New tool helps to reduce risk and improve IT security for tribal gaming facilities
AUBERRY, Calif., August 11, 2015 – The National Indian Gaming Commission kicked-off its first IT Vulnerability Assessment today at the Mono Wind Casino owned and operated by the Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians of California.
“We recognize that compliance is a major undertaking, especially with changing technology,” said Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri. “This new service assists tribes in meeting their IT compliance requirements faster and more effectively and can result in tremendous cost savings.”
The new offering provides gaming tribes with a more complete vulnerability analysis of their IT system to better address security and threats. The assessment, provided at no-cost to tribes, is part of the Agency’s commitment to technical assistance and augments the Agency’s Internal Control Assessments, already being conducted for tribal gaming facilities.
“Gaming facilities and Tribal gaming agencies, large and small, all share the same responsibility in protecting tribal assets. Assets include money, equipment, services, and now more than ever information,” said Big Sandy Rancheria Gaming Commission Director Jason Andrews. “Working collaboratively with the NIGC in an effort to enhance security and reduce threats to our gaming network at no cost to the Tribe is an excellent opportunity for Big Sandy Rancheria.”
The IT Vulnerability Assessment consists of two types of tests; external and internal. The external test provides an overview of security vulnerabilities, which are visible from outside the gaming system network. The internal network test provides and overview of vulnerabilities, which are visible from the local network, taking into account host-based security controls on the target system.
“This new tool can be used to improve a gaming facility’s overall security, by identifying and responding to specific vulnerabilities uncovered on each system,” said Acting Director of Technology Travis Waldo. “Adding this capability to our training and technical assistance program provides real value for tribes.”
The announcement of the IT Vulnerability Assessment builds on the steps the NIGC has taken recently to focus on technology, both internally and externally. For more information on the IT vulnerability assessment or to request this service, visit www.nigc.gov and click on the Technical Assistance and Training tab.
The National Indian Gaming Commission is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the Indian gaming industry spanning more than 450 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 242 tribes across 28 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the $28.5 billion Indian gaming industry. To learn more, visit www.nigc.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
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