Tag: #encryption

What it really takes to build your own payment gateway in 2025

For a growing number of businesses, managing the payment technology in-house has shifted from optional to essential for operational success. While third-party providers make it possible for almost any business to accept payments quickly, building a gateway from the ground up is a different challenge entirely. 

This article explores what it truly takes to build a payment gateway in 2025, the costs and challenges involved, and why many businesses opt for advanced orchestration platforms instead.

What is a payment gateway and why it matters

A payment gateway is a piece of technology that securely transfers payment information between the customer, the merchant, and the financial institutions involved in the transaction. It works like a digital point-of-sale terminal, confirming payment details, approving transactions, and making sure funds move quickly and safely.

The performance of a payment gateway can be the difference between a transaction completing in seconds or being abandoned altogether. If it’s slow or unreliable, it adds friction at a crucial moment in the buying process, which can lead to lost sales.

For global businesses, a payment gateway is far more than a back-end tool – it’s a strategic advantage. It influences the markets you can operate in, the currencies you can accept, and the level of fraud protection you can offer. In industries with high transaction volumes or greater risk, having full control over this infrastructure allows companies to adjust every stage of the payment process, from routing decisions to cost efficiency.

How does a secure payment gateway work

If you plan to create a payment gateway in-house, understanding how data moves between customers, merchants, and banks is essential to making informed architecture choices.

 

  1. Customer checkout: the buyer enters payment details on the merchant’s website or app.

  2. Encryption & transmission: sensitive data is encrypted and sent to the gateway.

  3. Routing to acquirer: the gateway forwards the request to the acquiring bank or payment processor.

  4. Card network processing: Visa, Mastercard, or alternative payment rails verify the transaction with the issuing bank.

  5. Authorisation & settlement: funds are authorised instantly and later settled into the merchant’s account.

Modern gateways also incorporate payment integrations with multiple acquirers, alternative payment methods (APMs), and fraud detection systems for a unified and efficient processing flow.

Payment gateway architecture: key components

A payment gateway’s architecture is the blueprint that determines how efficiently, securely, and reliably it can process transactions. In 2025, the best gateways are built on modular, API-first frameworks that allow flexibility, rapid integration, and future scalability.

 

At the core is the transaction processing engine – the component that manages the entire payment flow from authorisation requests to settlement. Around it are key layers, each with a specialised role:

 

  • Integration layer. Connects the gateway to banks, payment processors, alternative payment methods (APMs), and fraud prevention systems. A flexible integration layer ensures the gateway can add or switch providers without major redevelopment.

  • Security layer. Handles encryption, tokenisation, and fraud detection. It ensures sensitive cardholder data never leaves secure environments and that transactions are continuously monitored for risks.

  • Routing layer. Decides how transactions are sent to different acquirers or processors, optimising for speed, cost, or approval rates. In multi-acquirer setups, smart routing can significantly improve performance.

  • Compliance layer. Embeds regulatory and legal requirements into the system, such as PCI DSS, PSD2, and SCA, so that compliance infrastructure is automatic and consistent across all transactions.

  • Monitoring & analytics layer. Tracks transaction success rates, latency, and error patterns, providing real-time visibility into performance and enabling quick issue resolution.

Many organisations start with a modular, API-first design, then evaluate whether to continue building or partner with a payment orchestration provider to accelerate integrations and resilience.

Why it’s beneficial to create a custom payment solution

Building a custom payment solution gives businesses the ability to shape their payment infrastructure around their specific needs, rather than adapting their operations to fit an off-the-shelf system. This control can translate into higher efficiency, better user experiences, and measurable cost savings.

The key benefits include:

  • Full control over routing. Choose the most cost-effective or reliable path for each transaction, improve approval rates, and reduce fees.
  • Tailored payment flows. Customise checkout to match your brand, simplify repeat purchases, and offer the most relevant payment methods.
  • Enhanced security. Go beyond compliance with advanced fraud detection, tokenisation, and AI-powered risk checks.
  • Flexible growth. Add features, expand to new markets, and adopt new payment technologies without waiting on a provider’s roadmap.

Final takeaways

Building your own payment gateway offers unmatched control and flexibility, but it requires substantial investment, technical expertise, and ongoing operational effort. For most companies, the better option is to partner with a proven orchestration platform that offers the same capabilities while handling the complex parts – from licensing to integrations.

 

Online Games and Casino Platforms Are Getting More Secure

Among the many changes happening in the tech world, slow and steady improvements in security may be some of the least noted ones. While everyone cares about security in theory, the significant results of new security measures are usually not as visibly impressive as those of many other technological innovations. We just don’t (and can’t) see all the cyberattacks that didn’t happen thanks to secured technology.

But noting how cybersecurity is developing every once in a while is worthwhile for anyone who cares about the online world. Today, we’re taking a look at the important steps forward that the online casino industry has taken in regards to player safety.

Licenses Give Players a Basis to Judge By

When we’re talking about the security of online casinos, it would be fair to say that casino licensing systems have done the most to guarantee players a safe experience.

Many countries have their own authorities, gambling commissions, that provide licenses to online casinos that can prove themselves to be serious companies with a focus on player experience. Casinos can prove to players that they’re trustworthy, and players have an easy way of identifying secure casinos through their license. An easy way to find secure UK licensed online casinos is to use the review site Hityah.

Among the most popular and reputable licenses are the MGA license, the Curaçao license, and the UKGC license.

New, Safe Payment Methods Have Been Introduced

Online payment methods have come far in the 30-something years they’ve existed. Today, we have hundreds of different ways to pay online.

Many secure options are available at casinos. Today, you can usually choose between paying with a card, electronic banking, e-wallets, and prepaid coupon-based cards. Online platforms also employ a trusted payment gateway, meaning that they don’t ever touch your sensitive information – only the trusted third party does.

There are also plenty of crypto-friendly platforms for those who prefer not to share their payment information at all when making a deposit. On top of being secure, there are other benefits to crypto platforms. Robbie Purves from esports.net lists fast banking, anonymity, access anywhere, and high limits to deposits and withdrawals as some of the most notable benefits.

Information Is More Carefully Encrypted and Secured

The World Wide Web has come a long way when it comes to security. These days, high-level encryption during information transfers is the standard. Almost all websites are now relatively secure and protected against malicious third-party hackers.

Through encrypting information while it’s being sent from one server to another, data leaks become less common. Even if someone does get their hands on the data, they have to figure out how to decrypt it for it to be useful – a task that can prove difficult and resource-consuming without the right key.

For the most part, this isn’t even something websites like online casinos actively have to employ. As the net is getting more secure, protocols like HTTPS are simply the standard that all websites end up utilizing. 

Online Security and the Future

Cybersecurity is an incredibly important field, with a demand set to keep increasing. As more and more devices, tools, and people are connected to the net, it becomes more and more important that no one has unauthorized access.

New tools are being developed all the time. As devices get more sophisticated tools, cybercriminals figure out more sophisticated ways of hacking these tools. That’s why the continued development of higher and higher security and more is always going to matter – cybersecurity is a never-ending cat-and-mouse game.

But what’s important to note is that the user is often the weak link in the security system – it is often users who unknowingly give hackers the access they need.

“There’s plenty you can do to protect your own devices, data, and privacy,” writes Neil J. Rubenking from PC Mag.

“Making your devices, online identity, and activities more secure doesn’t take much effort. Several of the following tips boil down to little more than common sense, yet they’ll help keep you safer online.”

He outlines 12 simple things users can do to be proactive in their online security.

While the continued improvement of security at online casinos is crucial, player awareness could be the most important tool for protecting player data and access, and must not be forgotten in the shadow of more exciting technology.

Online Anonymity in 2025: How Proxies and VPNs Keep You Secure and Hidden

Every tap, every swipe, every app you open — it all leaves a trace. In 2025, your digital fingerprint is more than metadata. It’s currency. Advertisers, data brokers, and yes, even malicious actors, track where you’ve been and what you’ve done online. That’s where anonymity tools like proxies and VPNs come in.

Used right, these tools let you vanish in plain sight. And sometimes, they’re essential just to use your favorite apps. For example, if you’re in a region where restrictions apply, a proxy for WhatsApp helps bypass blocks without raising red flags.

But how do proxies work compared to VPNs? Are they secure? Let’s get into the details — without the tech jargon overload.

Proxy vs VPN: Same Goal, Different Routes

Both proxies and VPNs hide your real IP address. That’s the basic idea. But the way they do it — and what else they offer — varies quite a bit.

Proxies

A proxy server acts as a middleman. You request a website. The proxy grabs it for you and forwards it to your device. The site only sees the proxy’s IP, not yours. There are different types:

  • HTTP proxies: Only work for websites (not apps).
  • SOCKS5 proxies: More versatile, can handle games, torrents, apps.
  • Transparent proxies: Often used by employers or schools for content filtering.

VPNs

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunnels all your internet traffic through an encrypted connection. Unlike most proxies, VPNs cover every app, every tab, every byte.

What makes VPNs powerful:

  • Full-device encryption.
  • Stronger privacy for public Wi-Fi use.
  • Often include features like DNS leak protection, kill switches, and anti-tracking tools.

Still, proxies have their strengths, especially when you only need to mask your IP for a single app or task, without slowing down your whole device.

When Do You Actually Need These Tools?

You don’t need to be Edward Snowden to justify wanting privacy. Here’s when VPNs or proxies are more than just helpful — they’re essential.

Everyday Use Cases

  • Accessing region-locked content: Some platforms show different stuff depending on where you are.
  • Working remotely: Need to access tools that are only available in your company’s country or on a secure IP list.
  • Securing public Wi-Fi: Cafes, airports, hotels — all risky without encryption.
  • Social media messaging: In certain countries, apps like WhatsApp or Telegram may be blocked.

Specific Scenarios

  • SEO and scraping: Use proxies to pull data from search engines without getting blacklisted.
  • Ad verification: Ensure your ads are shown as intended in different geos.
  • Price comparison and automation: Masked IPs help avoid fake price hikes or usage limits.

No matter the case, the right setup gives you control back over your digital footprint.

Pros and Cons: What You Should Know

Let’s break it down so it’s not just a buzzword comparison.

Comparison Table: Proxy vs VPN

Feature Proxy VPN
Speed Lightweight and fast May slow down your connection
Scope App-specific Full-device
Security Limited encryption Encrypts all traffic
Ease of Use Requires manual setup One-click apps, user-friendly
Cost Cheap, scalable for bulk use Varies; often higher for quality service
Leak Risks DNS/WebRTC leaks possible if misconfigured Usually protected with DNS leak tools
Versatility Best for single-purpose tasks Great for general privacy and public Wi-Fi
Blocking Risk Less likely to be blocked Some services block known VPN IPs
Anonymity Level Moderate Stronger privacy and anonymity

This table helps visualize key differences at a glance. Choose the tool that aligns with how you browse, what you access, and how much privacy you want.

How to Choose Between a Proxy and VPN

Choosing the right tool depends on your specific needs. Start by thinking about what you’re using it for. If you’re mainly unblocking streaming services or using messaging apps, a proxy usually does the job well and doesn’t slow things down. On the other hand, if you’re logging into sensitive accounts or browsing on public Wi-Fi, a VPN gives you stronger encryption and peace of mind.

Budget also plays a role. Proxies are generally more affordable and easy to scale for teams or automation-heavy workflows. VPNs tend to cost more, but the added security may be worth it if you’re handling personal or business-critical data.

Now, think about your comfort level with tech. VPNs are typically easier for beginners — most offer apps you just turn on. Proxies often need manual setup and a bit of tinkering, but they offer more flexibility for advanced tasks like SEO tools, sneaker bots, or ad testing.

Speed is another factor. Since proxies don’t encrypt your traffic, they’re often faster. That’s handy for streaming, gaming, or scraping large datasets. VPNs can be slower due to encryption, though premium providers minimize this.

Finally, consider how private you need to be. If you’re after complete anonymity and don’t want your ISP or any third party seeing what you’re doing, a VPN is the safer choice.

Some experienced users even combine both: running a proxy inside a VPN tunnel to layer speed with encryption. Just know what each part is doing — and why — before you stack them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best tools won’t help if you misuse them. Here are a few common slip-ups:

  • Not checking DNS leaks: Use tools to test if your real DNS is exposed.
  • Using free services: You’re the product. Avoid freebies unless you like being tracked.
  • Ignoring app-specific settings: Some apps bypass system settings. WhatsApp or Zoom, for instance, may still leak info.
  • No kill switch: If your VPN drops, your IP might leak. Make sure that feature is turned on.

Spend 5 extra minutes configuring things right. Saves you hours of regret later.

Who Should Absolutely Be Using These Tools

Still unsure if this applies to you? Here’s a quick rundown.

  • Freelancers and digital nomads: You travel, but your accounts don’t have to look suspicious.
  • Remote workers: Protect sensitive logins and data.
  • Crypto traders: Security is everything.
  • Marketing professionals: Run multiple accounts, check SERPs, test geo-ads.
  • Everyday users: If you value privacy even a little, it’s worth the switch.

Final Thoughts

Anonymity online isn’t about being shady. It’s about safety. In an era of mass data collection, the choice to be invisible should be yours — not a luxury, not a workaround.

Whether you go for a VPN or choose a proxy for WhatsApp, remember that no tool is magic. The best defense? A mix of the right tech and smart habits.

So, update your setup. Check your permissions. And stop giving your data away for free.

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 USB Flash Drive Review

The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 USB Flash Drive comes in several storage options to suit one’s personal needs these range from 32GB to 256GB which is what we have here today.

Flash drives are ten a penny these days but security is vital today with what we store and now with GDPR laws encryption is vital in any business and indeed personal use.

We have review many brands in the past like iStorage for example who seem to have vanished since we seen them last but Kingston offer similar products here too and again many other brands we have covered in this category of tech.

This USB Flash drive is built well with a nice finish that stands out and also has an LED light on board to show when it is in use. The build quality alone sets it apart from plastic housed devices out there and also you can attach to your keyring if required.

The set up is relatively simple here and a much simpler process than others there is a complex or passphrase mode here also an admin mode for others to access which is not the case for us here it is just me that will use it. You can see how this works in the video review below it is simple to be honest and not a complex process. You can also hide your password whilst typing which is hand for several obvious security reasons.

The LP50 comes with the latest AES hardware encryption and XTS mode and stops brute force attacks.

 

You can also back up direct to cloud with a pop up every time you use it  if not chosen from the start this is handy to have and supports several platforms such as box and google drive which would suit many again you can see this in the video review below.

Performance is fine here for a USB key with no issues swapping files across and back in no time and works well on all laptops I have here during testing overall a simple handy effective gadget to have to keep your data safe where it should be.

Features
  • XTS-AES Encryption with Brute Force and BadUSB Attack Protection
  • Multi-Password (Admin and User) Option with Complex/Passphrase modes
  • New Passphrase Mode
  • Automatic Personal Cloud Backup
  • Additional Security Features
  • 256GB
  • USB 3.2 Gen 1
  • 115.0 write speed

BUY

Kingston External SSD XS 1000R review

Video Review

 

Explaining the technology behind mobile casinos

Going to the casino used to be a major event. You’d have to get all dressed up, travel to the casino and then eventually head home. All the fuss involved made it feel like you had to stay for several hours or else it felt like a bit of a waste of time. Playing at online casinos is the more accessible and convenient alternative. 

Alongside desktop online casinos, we’re currently seeing a rise in the number of mobile casinos. Looking at the mobile casinos for Irish players, it becomes clear that this is the future of online gambling. Below is a breakdown of the key technologies that make mobile casinos possible. 

What are mobile casinos?

Mobile casinos are online casinos that are either optimised for mobile, designed exclusively for mobile use or an app. Now that online casinos are so well established in the gambling industry, mobile casinos are the next step forward. 

Oftentimes, mobile casinos won’t have the full library of games available on the desktop site, but this is gradually changing. Mobile casinos allow players to enjoy casino games from wherever they are, just like any other mobile app.

Live casino games

Live casino games are the most exciting advance in online casino gaming of the last decade. Live table games let online players enjoy the feel of being in a traditional land-based casino. These table games have a live dealer that is running the game that the player can interact with. In some cases, there are even chat options for players to interact with one another. 

In order to make live casino games work, mobile casinos need to use a lot of different technology. Optical character recognition (OCR) software is an essential piece of the puzzle. OCR software converts the images from a camera into data, and is the same software that lets us convert scanned documents into editable PDFs. The data can then be converted into a format that the player can interact with. This is what enables a player to ‘handle’ the cards that the dealer deals. 

The other technology required to make live casino games work smoothly are multiple cameras to capture a stream of both the dealer and the cards on the table. The dealer also needs a monitor so that they can see what the players are saying or doing and respond accordingly. There also needs to be a secure and steady streaming set up because lag or a drop in the feed would ruin the game.

Blockchain 

Blockchain is one of the buzzwords associated with the cryptocurrency world. The blockchain has more uses beyond just serving as the ledger for cryptocurrency mining and transactions. Blockchain technology can be used to ensure that payments are secure and that all gambling transactions are logged and protected. 

The blockchain is also used in cryptocurrency casinos. Mobile crypto casinos use the blockchain to facilitate payments and help keep player identities anonymous. The blockchain can also be used to make sure that games are fair and that they use random number generators rather than patterns or biased algorithms. 

Random number generators

Every gambler knows that the house always wins, and you just have to accept that the house’s cut will almost always be bigger than yours. There is always a worry, however, that something underhanded is skewing the odds in the house’s favour. Many people worry about this in relation to online casinos because there’s no way to see what’s going on inside the games. 

Random number generators (RNGs) used by mobile casinos can ease those worries. RNGs are built into the software of each mobile casino game and these guarantee that all the games are fair. They are used to determine everything from how dice rolls land to which numbers are landed on in roulette and which cards are dealt.

Let’s use slot machine games as an example to show how they work. Every time a player clicks the spin button to set the reels going, a ‘seed number’ is generated which is then fed through an established algorithm to create a random number. Each possible result on the slot reels also has a number. The result is then calculated using the random number and the possible results.

The only games at mobile casinos where RNGs aren’t used are live casino games. This is because there is a person involved who is in charge of shuffling the cards or spinning the roulette wheel, keeping things random and fair in the traditional way.

Encryption

Keeping their players safe is one of the main jobs of mobile casinos. Players trust the casino with their financial and personal information and that data needs to be kept secure or players will no longer feel comfortable playing there. 

The best way for mobile casinos to protect player data is to use encryption software for all transactions. You’re already most likely familiar with encryption software. When a website is protected by encryption, the little lock icon appears in the search bar. SSL encryption is the industry standard for financial data and is what the majority of top-level mobile casinos use. 

The Basics Behind Digital Encryption

Probably the first thing you should be asking when you sign up for an online casino is “how are they keeping my money safe?”. More and more, providers are looking to more advanced forms of security, and encryption is the lynchpin of the entire operation.

How does encryption work?

Essentially, every bit of information that goes through encryption gets scrambled up into a special code that can only be read by special systems. Anyone accessing the data illegally, without that specific software, would just see a useless set of numbers and letters. 

For example, in the world of iGaming, encryption forms a big part of a complex security system, which is essential as both money and personal information are required to pass through it.

That data could be deposited for anything from running random number generated systems that feed into key features on iGaming platforms, such as Paddy Power’s daily free spin wheel, to withdrawals after betting on specific sports matches, log-in details, or even support messages. Any time information of any kind is exchanged on a gambling site, it’s encrypted.

What types of encryption are there?

The current go-to for encryption and the most commonly used for online casinos is AES or Advanced Encryption System. It comes in 128-bit, 192-bit, and 256-bit versions, with the higher numbers used for the most secure data. For the moment, AES is effectively unbreakable and is used by even the US Government.

Source: Unsplash

Aside from this, you can get the public domain Twofish encryption, the upgrade to the original Blowfish encryption. It encrypts multiple layers for every data set, and it’s a symmetric system, meaning only the sender and the recipient can open it with a special ‘key’. This means the chance of a third party getting it is extremely small.

The last one of note is the more specialised RSA encryption, which is encryption based on an extremely complex and specific mathematical algorithm. This gives hackers trouble because it generates a huge amount of ‘waste’ output to sift through. It’s a bit slow for large data amounts but works great for digital signatures.

What is hashing?

Hashing is data encryption in the loosest sense. Any data or message encrypted with hashing creates a completely unique key which tracks the details down to the tiniest level. If you have two copies of a message, you can compare these keys to check if even one letter or number has been changed, as the key would be different. The only difference between this encryption and the other methods is that you can’t get the encrypted data back. That’s why it’s only really used for data verification instead.

So is my data completely safe?

The fact is, that hackers and data security are in constant cat-and-mouse competition. The old standard for encryption was DES or Data Encryption Standard. That got breached by hackers, so then TripleDES was created. Now, even that one is being phased out, with AES being the up-and-coming standard.

There’s no 100% bulletproof encryption method out there, but online casinos along with other major transaction sites are as close to that as we can possibly get.

How To Recognize Good Multi-Layered Protection Against Online Threats

Today’s online threats come in a variety of forms. They can be as mundane as a virus that attacks a particular program on your system. They can be as exotic as ransomware that locks all your information in return for money. Hackers and other malicious actors online target different parts of your computer system and Internet activity. Because of this, multilayered protection is a must.

What is multi-layered protection?

Multi-layered protection against online threats is essentially protecting your computer against Internet threats in all the forms they may take.

So you won’t only have the basic protection of your machine. You’ll get good quality Antivirus software to protect against threats. You’ll get good malware and spyware protection too and a firewall. You’ll protect your passwords. You’ll protect your credit card information by making sure your browser can recognize fake websites.

This way you are defended against multiple kinds of attacks

How To Recognize Good Multi-layered Protection

Good multi-layered protection will contain at least the following:

 

  • A firewall

 

  • Email encryption

 

  • Email Filtering

 

  • Data encryption

 

  • Mobile security

 

Firewall

A firewall is the first line of defence between your computer and online threats. Your firewall monitors the traffic between your computer and the Internet. Its job is to distinguish between harmless everyday activity and attempts to hack or infect your system. They come with varying levels of sophistication.

Email encryption/filtering

As the mainstay of global communications, emails are the subject of attacks. You can see why. Much sensitive information is contained in them and if they were intercepted and read, the contents could prove to be a goldmine to the wrong people.

Getting a system to encrypt your emails can prevent important information from being stolen this way. Encryption disguises the information in a way that makes it unreadable to someone who intercepts it.

You should also be able to tell whether an email has malicious links embedded in it designed to lead you to websites that will steal your information. This is why you also need an email filtering program. These will move suspicious emails to your junk folder.

Data encryption

In the event a hacker or malicious program gets past your firewall, encrypting your data is another layer of security you can add. Encrypting sensitive files means that even if the attack reaches your computer, the data will be unreadable.

Web content filter

This piece of software blocks sites that contain potentially malicious programs or where they can be downloaded. This is a good idea for business owners, whose employees surf the Internet while they are working, opening the company’s network to threats. If even one gets through, it can cost your company money and time in lost hours while the problem is repaired.

Mobile security

Because mobile phones these days are subject to the same threats as computers, they should be defended like computers. You use your mobile phone to do everything you would with your computer, so it holds a number of valuable pieces of information. There are apps that offer a suite of protection for mobile phones.

Taking the step of putting on layers on your online security is a smart and necessary one. Don’t be caught by malicious actors because you failed to do so.