Cybersecurity Issue’ Forces Systems Shutdown at MGM Hotels and Casinos

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#the new york time #copied Article
The casino and hotel chain MGM Resorts International said on Monday that a “cybersecurity issue” was affecting some of its online systems, causing disruptions for customers, particularly in Las Vegas, where cybersecurity experts said the company was likely the victim of a pervasive cyberattack.

MGM Resorts did not share specifics on the disruptions or disclose when the issue began or when it was detected, but said that law enforcement had been notified. In a statement, the company said that it had taken “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 posted on social media.

There were some signs of disruptions for the company, which did not respond to emails seeking comment. Its website was down Monday evening, and comments posted by Facebook group users stated that slot machines were not working and that there were problems accessing hotel rooms at the company’s resorts.

KTNV 13, a TV station in Las Vegas, reported that multiple gambling machines at hotels had gone offline and that several guests were unable to charge anything to their rooms, make reservations or use their digital room keys.

MGM Resorts said in a statement late Monday night that its resorts “continue to deliver the experiences for which MGM is known,” including its dining, entertainment and gaming options.

“Our guests remain able to access their hotel rooms and our front desk staff is ready to assist our guests as needed,” the company said. “We appreciate your patience.”

It was not clear how many people had been affected by the cybersecurity disruptions. MGM is a prominent casino and hotel company that has thousands of hotel rooms in Las Vegas, with properties that include Mandalay Bay, Aria, the Bellagio and MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Greg Moody, an associate professor of information systems and cybersecurity at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said on Monday that a “cybersecurity issue” typically means that an individual or a group has attacked the company’s network.