Gaming Supplier IGT Hit by Cyberattack

Article by : Erik Gibbs Nov 21, 2024

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Gaming supplier IGT recently disclosed a cyberattack that disrupted parts of its internal IT systems and applications. The company confirmed that an unauthorized party gained access to its systems, forcing it to activate contingency measures to minimize operational impact. While IGT has not specified the full extent of the breach, it emphasized efforts to maintain communication with customers and stakeholders and ensure continued service where possible.

The incident underscores a growing trend of cyberattacks targeting gaming industry players, highlighting vulnerabilities in the sector’s IT infrastructure. IGT’s situation follows a series of high-profile breaches within the gaming world, which have disrupted operations and exposed sensitive data.

In October 2023, MGM Resorts suffered a massive cyberattack that caused significant outages across its US properties. Slot machines, ATMs, and payment systems were among the systems affected, leaving many operations at a standstill. Some hotel guests even found themselves locked out of their rooms due to nonfunctional digital key systems. The disruption lasted several days and underscored the risks associated with cyber threats in hospitality and gaming.

Other industry incidents include the case of Okada Manila, a resort in the Philippines, which reported “technical issues” in November 2023 stemming from an attack on its IT systems. The breach resulted in the majority of its slot machines being out of service for months, severely impacting operations. Similarly, global gaming supplier Aristocrat faced a cyberattack in August 2023, where sensitive employee information was stolen and, in some cases, published online.

Data breaches have also affected customer privacy in the gaming sector. Marina Bay Sands in Singapore experienced a breach late last year, with the personal information of over 665,000 customers compromised. These incidents highlight the dual risks of operational disruption and the potential exposure of personal data.

In IGT’s case, the company has not indicated whether sensitive information was accessed or stolen but has implemented its business continuity plans to reduce service interruptions. The company is working to resolve the issue while keeping customers informed.

The attack took place shortly after Everi Holdings shareholders approved a significant deal involving the merger of Everi with IGT’s global gaming and PlayDigital divisions. This merger will also include an acquisition by a subsidiary of private equity firm Apollo Global Management.

The $6.3 billion agreement, originally unveiled in July, will provide IGT with $4.05 billion in gross proceeds, with the remaining funds allocated to Everi. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized in the third quarter of 2025.