MGM Resorts Resolves Issues From Recent Cyberattack

Article by : Erik Gibbs Sep 22, 2023

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MGM Resorts has successfully concluded a 10-day computer shutdown initiated to protect sensitive data, including hotel reservations and credit card processing, from a cyberattack.

On Wednesday, the Las Vegas-based casino giant announced that all its hotels and casinos were operating normally following last week’s attack detection on September 10.

Caesars Entertainment, a rival casino owner, also revealed last week that it had fallen victim to a cyberattack on September 7.

While MGM’s casino and online operations remained unaffected, it couldn’t assure the security of personal information for millions of customers, including driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers of loyalty rewards members.

The extent of the MGM breach, including the nature of compromised information and financial implications, remains undisclosed.

Gregory Moody, director of the cybersecurity program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, cited estimates suggesting that the computer shutdown may have cost MGM up to $8 million per day, potentially totalling $80 million.

However, it’s worth noting that MGM Resorts reports annual revenues exceeding $14 billion, equating to an average of at least $270 million in weekly revenues.

MGM Resorts announced that various operational systems, such as resort services, dining, entertainment, pools and spas, were functioning normally.

Its website and app were accepting dining and spa reservations as the company worked on restoring hotel booking and loyalty reward functions.

According to company spokesperson Brian Ahern, MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas and nationwide have returned to regular operations.

MGM also manages properties in several other states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. The FBI refrained from providing comments, as their investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

Cybersecurity experts have emphasized the need for heightened security measures and system integrity verification across the casino industry, noting that the attacks on MGM and Caesars have exposed critical vulnerabilities and dispelled the notion of casino invincibility.

Caesars Entertainment, the world’s largest casino owner, boasts over 65 million rewards members and properties across 18 states and Canada under various brands, including Caesars, Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Eldorado.

It also operates mobile and online platforms and offers sports betting services.

MGM Resorts, the largest private employer in Nevada, operates tens of thousands of hotel rooms in Las Vegas, including flagship properties such as the MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria, New York-New York and Mandalay Bay.

The company also has resorts in China and Macau and employs 75,000 people across the U.S. and abroad.