Young Briton detained over MGM Resorts ransomware attack involvement
British authorities have apprehended a 17-year-old individual suspected to have connections with a cybercriminal syndicate responsible for launching destructive ransomware assaults on MGM Resorts and several other organizations in the preceding year.
In September last year, the prominent hotel and casino chain MGM Resorts experienced a cyber incident causing guests to endure lengthy check-in queues, occupants facing difficulty accessing their rooms, disruptions in ATM services, and the shutdown of websites, TV channels, and telephone systems.
During that period, all of MGM’s Las Vegas resorts, including the Aria, Bellagio, Luxor, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay, were affected by the incident.
Certain individuals took to social media platforms to narrate their experiences of being at a halted casino due to hackers’ actions.
MGM Resorts resumed normal operations after a span of 10 days and later acknowledged that the hackers had managed to obtain personal data, such as names, contact details, gender, date of birth, along with official documents like driver’s licenses, passports, and even Social Security numbers, of several guests.
Investigations disclosed that the hackers had successfully manipulated MGM’s IT helpdesk, pretending to be a staff member locked out of their account during telephone conversations, thereby deceiving them into surrendering login credentials, which in turn facilitated the execution of the ransomware assault.
The financial impact on MGM Resorts has been officially estimated to exceed US $100 million.
The 17-year-old individual apprehended in Walsall, England, during a collaborative effort between West Midlands Police and the FBI, is suspected of affiliating with the cybercriminal faction termed “Scattered Spider” and was initially detained on allegations of blackmail and violations of the Computer Misuse Act, as per a report by the Regional Organized Crime Unit for the West Midlands (ROCUWM).
“This apprehension was made subsequent to an extensive investigation crossing international borders, including America. Our close collaboration with the National Crime Agency and FBI has been crucial,” stated Detective Inspector Hinesh Mehta, Manager of the Cyber Crime Unit at ROCUWM. “These cyber factions have launched ransomware attacks on prominent entities and have successfully targeted various victims worldwide, resulting in substantial financial losses. We want to convey a resolute message that we will track you down. It’s just not worth it.”
MGM Resorts has expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in identifying and detaining purported members of the group accountable for the cyber assault, emphasizing their stance of refusing to give in to ransom demands.
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