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Authorities arrest teenager for MGM Resorts hack


In coordination with the FBI, the West Midlands Police arrested a 17 year old boy from Walsall regarding the cyberattack on MGM Resorts last year.

Officers from the UK’s Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands (ROCUWM) and the National Crime Agency made the arrest on Thursday July 18. The arrest was part of a global investigation into a hacking group that targeted major companies across the world, including MGM Resorts.

“These cyber groups have targeted well known organisations with ransomware and they have successfully targeted multiple victims around the world taking from them significant amounts of money. We want to send out a clear message that we will find you. It’s simply not worth it,” Cyber Crime Unit Manager at ROCUWM Hinesh Mehta says in a press release.

In September 2023, MGM Resorts was hit with a cyberattack. As a precautionary measure, the hospitality and entertainment provider took slot machines, ATMs and a number of computer systems temporarily offline.

“Promptly after detecting the issue, we quickly began an investigation with assistance from leading external cybersecurity experts. We also notified law enforcement and took prompt action to protect our systems and data, including shutting down certain systems. Our investigation is ongoing, and we are working diligently to determine the nature and scope of the matter,” MGM Resorts said in a statement at the time.

In an 8-K Filing addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), MGM Resorts estimated that the ‘security incident’ cost the company around 100 million dollar.

Sources say Scattered Spider, also known as Octo Tempest, 0ktapus or UNC3944, is behind the attack on MGM Resorts. The hacking group allegedly has targeted more than hundred organisations since 2022. According to security researchers at Mandiant, the group is currently engaged in a new campaign targeting banks and insurance companies.

MGM Resorts mentions it’s proud to have assisted law enforcement agencies in the arrest of the 17 year old teenager. “By voluntarily shutting down our systems, refusing to pay a ransom and working with law enforcement on their investigation and response, the message to criminals was clear: it’s not worth it.”

Lastly, the company states that it’s grateful to the FBI and local law enforcement authorities in bringing the suspect to justice.


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