CNN
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MGM Resorts has experienced a major disruption in its operations due to a significant cybersecurity issue, as mentioned in a recent social media post by the company on Monday.
Late on Tuesday, MGM Resorts provided an update stating that essential services such as dining, entertainment, and gaming were still functioning. The statement also expressed gratitude towards the guests for their patience, assuring them that they can still access their hotel rooms.
However, no specific details were given regarding the status of MGM Resorts’ systems. It remains unclear whether these operations are being manually handled or if certain properties are accepting cash-only transactions.
As of Tuesday morning, the MGM Resorts website remained offline, displaying an apology message and a list of contact numbers for guests to reach their respective hotel concierge desk.
Justin Heath, a guest at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, shared with CNN on Monday that visitors were unable to charge purchases to their rooms, digital hotel room keys were not functioning, and restaurants were only accepting cash.
MGM Resorts initially stated on Sunday that upon discovering the cybersecurity issue, they launched an immediate investigation with the assistance of leading external cybersecurity experts. The company shared this information on X, formerly known as Twitter.
MGM Resorts (MGM) has taken swift action to protect their systems and data in response to the incident, including shutting down certain systems. They are also working closely with law enforcement authorities during this process.
The FBI has acknowledged the incident but declined to provide further details or comments at this time.
CNN has reached out to MGM Resorts for additional information regarding the cybersecurity issue. MGM Resorts International manages various properties across the United States, including Aria, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and New York-New York in Las Vegas. They also have several domestic locations in Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, and New York, as well as resort locations in China.
The nature and motive of the cybersecurity incident at MGM Resorts remain unclear. It is uncertain whether the objective was to exfiltrate sensitive information or to cause disruption and damage to the company’s systems. Determining the nature of the attack is crucial in identifying the perpetrators and their motives, whether they are financially motivated criminals or nation-state actors involved in intelligence gathering.
Both traditional cybercriminal enterprises and foreign governments have historically targeted casinos due to their attractiveness as potential victims.
In 2017, it was reported that cybercriminals had successfully compromised a North American casino’s data by exploiting its internet-connected fish tank. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of casinos to cyber threats.
In 2014, the Sands Las Vegas Corporation fell victim to a severe cyberattack orchestrated by the Iranian government, according to the US Director of National Intelligence.
CNN’s Danielle Sills contributed to this report.
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