MGM Resorts, a prominent name in the world of hospitality and entertainment known for its iconic casinos and hotels, initiated a system shutdown, disrupting its operations after discovering a cyber intrusion on Monday afternoon.
Despite the company’s reluctance to provide immediate comments, various sources have confirmed disruptions across multiple facets of MGM Resorts’ operations, particularly in its Las Vegas establishments. Slot machines and ATMs within the company’s Las Vegas casinos have reportedly ceased functioning, causing inconvenience to patrons.
Furthermore, MGM Resorts’ official website is inaccessible, replaced by a temporary landing page offering contact information for its offices in Detroit, Las Vegas, New York, and other major cities.
In a statement posted on Twitter, MGM Resorts acknowledged the cybersecurity issue, stating, “MGM Resorts recently identified a cybersecurity issue affecting some of the company’s systems. Promptly after detecting the issue, we quickly began an investigation with assistance from leading external cybersecurity experts.” The company also confirmed that law enforcement had been notified and that immediate measures had been taken to safeguard their systems and data, including the shutdown of certain systems. An ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full nature and extent of the breach.
Reports from local Las Vegas news outlets indicate that computer systems at MGM-owned hotels, including the renowned Bellagio Hotel, have been impacted by the cyberattack, rendering them unable to process credit card transactions. Guests outside Las Vegas at MGM Resorts’ properties have voiced similar issues through social media channels.
This incident is not MGM Resorts’ first encounter with cybersecurity concerns. In December of a prior year, the company’s online sports betting entity, BetMGM, reported a breach that exposed sensitive customer information, including names, Social Security numbers, and financial data.
Moreover, in 2020, the personal information of a staggering 10.6 million users who had stayed at MGM Resorts properties was leaked on a hacking forum, highlighting the persistent threat hotels and casinos face in safeguarding customer data.
