Young Hackers Scatter Spider Attack Takes Down Vegas Casino Systems, Demand Ransom

A group of young hackers called "Scattered Spider" has paralyzed systems at multiple MGM casinos in Las Vegas, causing check-in lines, room keys, and more to stop working.
The hackers demanded a ransom from MGM, after previously extorting $30 million from Caesar's Entertainment in a similar attack.
Scattered Spider uses social engineering tactics like fake calls to help desks to gather login credentials and breach targets.
The attacks have disrupted operations and cost millions in lost revenue for MGM casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Casino cyberattacks are increasingly common, as their cybersecurity lags while hackers see them as lucrative targets.

qz.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/14/2023

MGM Outage Continues 4 Days After Cyberattack; Scattered Spider Hackers Also Behind Caesars Breach

MGM Resorts is facing a widespread outage lasting four days after a cyberattack by the hacking group Scattered Spider, with guests reporting disruptions to various services including ATMs, slot machines, digital key cards, and electronic payment systems, while entertainment giant Caesars Entertainment also suffered a cyberattack attributed to the same group, resulting in stolen data and a demanded ransom of $30 million.

9/14/2023

Hackers Claim Massive Data Breach of MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment Customer Data, But Say They Won't Release or Ransom It

The Scattered Spider hacking group has claimed to have stolen six terabytes of data from casino operators MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, but has no plans to make the data public or demand ransom.

9/14/2023

MGM Hit by BlackCat Ransomware Linked to Scattered Spider Hackers Known for Bypassing MFA

Affiliate of the BlackCat ransomware group, Scattered Spider, claims responsibility for breaching MGM Resorts' infrastructure, stealing data, and deploying ransomware, demanding a $30 million ransom.

9/17/2023

Las Vegas Casinos Face Ongoing Security Threats from Hackers, Criminals

The recent cyberattack on MGM Resorts and the payment of ransom by Caesars Entertainment highlight the evolving methods used by cyber criminals to target casinos, emphasizing the need for constant evolution of security systems and protocols in the gaming industry.

9/22/2023

Skilled Young Hackers Breach Global Companies with Brazen Social Engineering Tactics

A highly skilled hacking group known as Scattered Spider is using social engineering techniques and bypassing multi-factor authentication to target companies and steal sensitive data for extortion, with experts warning that attacks are expected to continue. The group, believed to consist mainly of 17-22-year-olds from Western countries, has breached numerous organizations globally, leaving threatening notes for victims and even engaging in SWATing tactics, according to cybersecurity specialists. The group is said to prioritize power, influence, and notoriety rather than financial gain.

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Posted 9/14/2023, 11:52:00 AM

Young Hackers Scatter Spider Attack Takes Down Vegas Casino Systems, Demand Ransom

A group of young hackers called "Scattered Spider" has paralyzed systems at multiple MGM casinos in Las Vegas, causing check-in lines, room keys, and more to stop working.
The hackers demanded a ransom from MGM, after previously extorting $30 million from Caesar's Entertainment in a similar attack.
Scattered Spider uses social engineering tactics like fake calls to help desks to gather login credentials and breach targets.
The attacks have disrupted operations and cost millions in lost revenue for MGM casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Casino cyberattacks are increasingly common, as their cybersecurity lags while hackers see them as lucrative targets.

qz.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/14/2023

MGM Outage Continues 4 Days After Cyberattack; Scattered Spider Hackers Also Behind Caesars Breach

9/14/2023

Hackers Claim Massive Data Breach of MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment Customer Data, But Say They Won't Release or Ransom It

9/14/2023

MGM Hit by BlackCat Ransomware Linked to Scattered Spider Hackers Known for Bypassing MFA

Affiliate of the BlackCat ransomware group, Scattered Spider, claims responsibility for breaching MGM Resorts' infrastructure, stealing data, and deploying ransomware, demanding a $30 million ransom.

9/17/2023

Las Vegas Casinos Face Ongoing Security Threats from Hackers, Criminals

9/22/2023

Skilled Young Hackers Breach Global Companies with Brazen Social Engineering Tactics