Navigating AI-Driven Threats and Opportunities
This year's EL/WLA Security and Operational Risks Seminar delved into the transformative convergence of AI and security. Supported by the FDJ Group, the event convened leading experts in lottery security and risk management to explore how AI can bolster lottery operations while mitigating its associated risks.
Fabien Maréchal, International CISO at FDJ Group served as the moderator, guiding discussions on innovation and resilience in the face of evolving challenges. The event took place on 4-6 December in Marseille, France.
Unlocking AI's Dual Potential
AI, particularly generative AI, is revolutionizing cybersecurity with its capabilities in proactive threat detection, incident response and operational efficiencies. Yet, as highlighted during the Seminar, these advancements are accompanied by significant challenges, such as vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, ethical concerns and compliance demands.
Key sessions offered practical strategies to harness AI effectively while mitigating its risks:
- Generative AI in Security: Discussions centered on how advanced AI models are transforming cybersecurity and fortifying defenses against sophisticated attacks.
- AI Risk Management: Insights were provided on enterprise frameworks to address AI-related risks, comply with the EU AI Act – the world’s first attempt to regulate AI – and align innovation with ethical standards.
- Case Studies: Real-world applications of AI in lottery systems showcased its role in responsible gambling, marketing, and data protection.
The seminar featured compelling presentations by renowned experts:
Inma Martinez, an AI scientist and digital pioneer, set the stage with an inspiring keynote on AI’s evolution towards artificial general intelligence and its implications for future security.
Professor Marco Gercke, a global cybersecurity expert, who outlined the delicate balance between exploiting AI’s disruptive business opportunities and guarding against advanced cyberattacks.
Gunnar Ewald, Chief Audit Executive at Lotto Hamburg GmbH, Germany, offered his traditional overview of security and risk management incidents across global lotteries, sharing valuable lessons and trends from the past year.
Interactive roundtables and supplier presentations delved deeper into specific challenges and solutions. Topics included the role of AI in safeguarding lottery operations, preventing data breaches and enabling responsible gaming practices.
Laurent Joppart Cisco, The National Lottery (BE), Joanna Kieszek, Totalizator Sportowy (PL) and Raj Hit, Lotto New Zealand (NZ)
A significant highlight was the Case Study in Focus: Enhancing AI & Cybersecurity in a Lottery Context. Presented by Bertrand Le Piolot, Group CISO, and Géraldine Dequeker, Cybersecurity Project Manager, both from FDJ Group, they explored the risks associated with generative AI, emphasizing its potential for misuse by hackers, while also demonstrating how AI can strengthen cybersecurity frameworks and highlighting the importance of safeguarding AI systems themselves. Their session showcased a pragmatic approach to navigating these challenges, particularly in a lottery context.
Both EL and WLA provided updates on their ongoing efforts to support the lottery community in addressing security and risk management issues, further demonstrating their commitment to bolstering resilience across the sector. Additionally, Fabien Maréchal provided a debrief on the WLA SCS:2024 Standard, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to updated security frameworks.
Left: Nicodemo Baffa, IGT Lottery (IT), Top right: José Luis Sánchez Fernández, SELAE (ES) & bottom right: Jesús Huerta Almendro, SELAE (ES)
Collaborative Learning and Looking Ahead
Interactive roundtables, supplier presentations and networking sessions fostered a collaborative atmosphere. Participants explored strategies to safeguard lottery operations, prevent data breaches and implement responsible gaming practices. The Seminar also delved into the challenges and opportunities presented by the EU AI Act, offering practical advice on building trustworthy AI systems that align with governance and ethical standards.
The closing message was clear: AI is reshaping the security landscape and lotteries must adapt by embracing innovation, regulation and collaboration. The EL & WLA Security and Operational Risks Seminar 2024 underscored the sector’s collective commitment to navigating these complexities while seizing AI’s transformative potential for a secure and sustainable future.
