Las Vegas is no stranger to excitement, but the atmosphere at MGM Resorts hotels this weekend is far from what visitors expected. In the aftermath of a major cyberattack, guests and casino-goers are facing a nightmare scenario that has disrupted their stay and gambling experience. With long check-in lines and malfunctioning slot machines, it seems like even luck is not on their side.
Key Takeaway
A cyberattack on MGM Resorts hotels in Las Vegas has led to disruptions during the weekend, impacting guests’ ability to check-in and enjoy their casino experience. Malfunctioning slot machines and unexpected occupants in hotel rooms have added to the chaos. MGM is working with external cybersecurity experts to resolve the issue, while other groups claim responsibility for the attack.
Weekend Warriors Face Check-In Woes
The cyberattack struck earlier this week, impacting the operations of MGM Resorts hotels. Guests were blocked from accessing their rooms, and the chaos quickly spread to other areas of the casinos. Phone lines went down, slot machines malfunctioned, and the hotel check-in process came to a halt. Initially, the incident occurred during a less busy time in Vegas, but as the weekend begins, the crowds of weekend warriors are arriving, exacerbating the situation.
MGM has acknowledged the “cybersecurity issue” and has enlisted the help of external cybersecurity experts to address the problem. Despite their efforts, the issues persist, causing frustration among guests and staff alike.
Potential Culprits
While hacker groups like The Scattered Spider and ALPHV have claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, MGM has yet to confirm their involvement. However, experts have pointed out that the problems experienced by the resorts bear the hallmarks of a cyberattack.
In a shocking revelation, Caesars Entertainment, another major player in the Vegas scene, disclosed that it had been hit with a similar attack prior to the one targeting MGM. This previous incident resulted in the compromise of player information, and the company allegedly paid a $15 million ransom to the hackers just days before MGM encountered its own issues.
Chaos on the Casino Floor
Inside the casinos, the impact of the cyberattack is palpable. Slot machines, usually a source of excitement for gamblers, are frequently malfunctioning and failing to print out tickets when players wish to cash out. In an unprecedented move, casino employees are manually paying out winnings in cash to avoid further inconveniences.
Moreover, some guests have reported returning to their hotel rooms only to find unexpected occupants already there. These unsettling occurrences are adding to the overall sense of chaos and unease among visitors.
As the weekend unfolds, visitors are left hoping for some much-needed luck in their Las Vegas experience. Whether it’s hitting the jackpot on the slots or simply entering their hotel rooms without any surprises, the challenges presented by this cyberattack are yet another reminder of the potential vulnerabilities in our increasingly interconnected world.
