Bet9ja company assures customers data and funds are intact after being plagued by cyber criminals

Nigeria’s largest betting platform, Bet9ja, has been hit by a criminal cyber attacker, leaving customers without access to their accounts, data and funds.

The ransomware attack that took place on Wednesday April 6th, 2022 is attributed to the Blackcap Group. It has shown how real cyber attacks can be and the risk companies run by remaining vulnerable to such attacks.

Although customers are having difficulties accessing their data and funds on Bet9ja due to the attack, the betting site’s management has assured customers that their data, accounts and funds are intact.

They said the company is working around the clock to get back on track as soon as technically possible, adding that they plan to reward customers with attractive offers once the site is up and running again.

Below is a full statement from Bet9ja’s CEO following the attack.

The past few days have been challenging for us as a company. In the early morning hours of Wednesday April 6th, 2022, we were hit on our platform by an unprovoked and unjustified sophisticated criminal cyber attack.

Many of our customers and stakeholders have had to deal with the inconvenience of not being able to access their accounts or place bets on the bet9ja.com platform. On behalf of management and all team members, I would like to apologize and express our deepest regret at this situation.

We can confirm that the ransomware attack came from Blackcat Group. Information about the cybercriminal organization can be found online.

As a result of the significant attack on our platform, we have taken measures to reduce and mitigate any risks to our network systems and operations. We have deployed international cybersecurity and forensics experts to help us analyze and improve our network security and strengthen our operations to be more resilient and secure.

As Nigeria’s number one and leading sports betting company, we want to assure you that we have taken these steps because we know how important it is to protect you, our customers. I want to assure you that your data is safe and your funds are intact. The security of your personal data is not jeopardized by these attacks either.

We’re doing everything we can to gradually get back up. Since then, the team has worked tirelessly to achieve these goals.

At this point I would like to give a special shout out to our agents for sticking with us through this difficult time, they truly are the best in their class. To our stakeholders, the Board of National and State Lotteries and most importantly our loyal customers, we see your support across social media, we are indeed grateful to you. We apologize again for any inconvenience caused as as a company we always strive to serve you better and provide you with the highest standard of professional service.

As the work continues I have instructed our marketing team to make rewards readily available and for the first time I have just approved a never before seen bonus package on the Bet9ja platform which will take effect once the site is back up. This is our way of showing appreciation for your unwavering loyalty, patience and understanding at such a difficult time.

Finally, as a proud Nigerian company and a leader in our industry, we will not be intimidated, bullied or pressured. At Bet9ja we are exceptional, we don’t claim to have all the answers. Instead, we come together as a community of experts to protect this business we all love, as exemplified by our team of professional experts, agents, government officials and loyal customers. This is our culture.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and the loyalty you have shown during this time. Once again you have our strongest assurances that we have the situation under full control and that all accounts, data and funds are safe and secure. Our best days are yet to come.

By: Sheila Satori Mensa