Cybersecurity incidents are on the rise as Caesars and MGM Resorts have had their systems infiltrated and disrupted by a cybercrime group demanding ransoms. This cybersecurity incident has triggered the closure of computer systems at various casino and hotel properties under MGM Resorts International across the United States, and Caesars paid a $15 million ransom to this cybergroup.
The MGM incident happened three days after Caesars , and its precise impact on their critical systems like reservation services and casino operations in locations such as Las Vegas and states including Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio remains unclear. Brian Ahern, the spokesperson for the MGM, stated that the full extent of the disruption is yet to be determined.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been informed of these occurrences. MGM Resorts International released a statement acknowledging the existence of a cybersecurity issue that has impacted certain systems within the company. In response, the company has enlisted the services of external cybersecurity experts to conduct an investigation. Although the precise nature of the issue has not been disclosed, their statement has noted efforts to safeguard data, which have involved the “shutdown of specific systems.” The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Visitors attempting to access the company’s website will encounter a notice of its unavailability. Alternative telephone numbers have been provided to assist customers in reaching the reservation system and obtaining information about the properties.
In the hospitality industry, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of cyber infiltrations. Cybersecurity breaches can disrupt the day-to-day operations of hotels, casinos, and resorts. Reservation systems are critical to managing bookings and revenue, and any disruption can lead to cancellations, overbooking, and revenue losses. The compromise of guest and customer data, including personal and financial information, can have severe legal and financial consequences. Hospitality companies have a duty to protect this data, and breaches can result in lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and the need for costly data recovery efforts.
To learn more about cybersecurity and how to mitigate the risk of potential cybercrimes, read Too Late You’re Hacked! Quick Guide. This guide will keep you informed on cybersecurity fundamentals and how to detect spam and phishing emails. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Keep your company’s online defense systems strong today.
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