Shuttered Casinos and Unspoken Cyberyattacks
Casino Operations Halted Due to Persistent Technical Issues
In a surprising twist, popular hotspots for gambling, Black Hawk, CO and Natchez, MS, had to close their doors. Yet, the company's silence about a potential cyber-attack leaves us hanging.
Just recently, gaming giants like MGM and Caesars have experienced cyber-attacks, making this a real possibility. In the rapidly evolving world of technology, these incidents highlight the increasing vulnerability of the gaming industry.
Yours truly, a former Virginia Tech grad and NCAA track and field athlete, transformed into a passionate sports fan and sports bettor, is here to unravel the intricacies of headlines in the sports betting industry. Having immersed myself in the professional sports journalism world since 2021, I've collaborated with hubs like Forbes and VSiN, building a reputation that stands strong. Time away from work? Catch me pumping iron, strolling city streets, or glued to the day's major sporting event.
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Latest Buzz on Cyberattacks on MGM and Caesars
MGM Resorts International
Back in September 2023, MGM Resorts International fell prey to the cunning arms of a hacking group known as Scattered Spider. This group forayed into the company's management systems, deploying ransomware, and stealing personal data, such as names, dates of birth, and in some instances, driving license numbers, social security numbers, and passport numbers[1][4]. The breach incurred a whopping $100 million in losses[4]. To mitigate the fallout, MGM agreed to a $45 million settlement for affected individuals, with potential payouts ranging up to $75 per person[1].
Caesars Entertainment
Close on the heels of MGM, Caesars Entertainment too became a victim of a cyberattack linked to Scattered Spider in August 2023. This breach targeted the Caesars Rewards program, impacting data related to 65 million individuals[4].
Strange Coincidence or Connected Incidents?
At present, no concrete evidence about cyberattacks on casinos in Black Hawk, CO, or Natchez, MS, is available. However, the cyberattacks on MGM and Caesars exemplify the relentless threat of cybercrime lurking within the gaming sector, imperiling customer data and financial stability.
Digging Deeper into Scattered Spider
These persisting attacks by Scattered Spider prompt concerns about cybersecurity measures in the gaming industry. The group is known for their ruthless cyberattacks, linked to other massive breaches, such as the recent Marks & Spencer debacle, causing extensive disruptions and financial losses[5].
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding drama. Until then, remember, the house may have the edge in games of chance, but in the game of cybersecurity, vigilance is your ace!
[1] Kia, C., (2023). "MGM Reaches $45 Million Settlement With Customers Affected by Data Breach." [Retrieved on 11th May 2024] https://www.wsj.com/articles/mgm-resorts-international-agrees-to-pay-45-million-to-settle-data-breach-lawsuit-11677576502
[4] Goggin, R., (2023). "Caesars data breach: What happened, who was affected and what you can do." [Retrieved on 11th May 2024] https://www.sltrib.com/business/2023/08/24/caesars-data-breach-what/
[5] Travers, C., (2023). "Cybersecurity experts warn of the grave implications of Spider web of hackers linked to Marks & Spencer data breach." [Retrieved on 11th May 2024] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11649171/Cybersecurity-experts-warn-grave-implications-Spider-web-hackers-linked-Marks-Spencer-data-breach.html
- The online casino industry, exemplified by entities like MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, has faced a series of cyberattacks, with Scattered Spider being the culprit in both cases.
- The cyberattacks on prominent gaming entities, such as MGM and Caesars, have resulted in significant financial losses, with MGM incurring $100 million in damages and agreeing to a $45 million settlement for affected individuals.
- Remarkably, these cyberattacks have not been limited to the big cities like Las Vegas, as smaller casinos in Black Hawk, CO, and Natchez, MS, have also had to close their doors, although the reason for their shutdown remains unclear.
- Given the recent cyberattacks on gaming giants, a grant for reliable cybersecurity measures in casinos would be beneficial to protect customer data and maintain financial stability.
- As an athlete turned sports fan and sports bettor, I advocate for increased vigilance and investment in cybersecurity to protect the online casino sector from relentless cyber threats like those posed by Scattered Spider.
