MGM Resorts is trying to deal with a denial of service ransomware cyberattack that is making hotel and casino operations impossible in MGM Hotels and Resorts around the world.
MGM Resorts houses some of the largest meetings and incentive (MICE) conference centers in Las Vegas.
There are no websites, phone numbers, or GDS systems allowing travelers to make any reservation in any MGM Hotels and Resorts including famous Las Vegas properties such as
Las Vegas MGM Resorts Hotel Names
Bellagio.
ARIA.
Vdara.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
MGM Grand Las Vegas.
The Signature at MGM Grand.
Mandalay Bay.
Delano Las Vegas.
The MGM Reservation and Customer Service phone number shown earlier in the attack on the www.mgmresorts.com/ website is now taken out, indicating new reservations are currently impossible to make, and customer service is no longer a priority.
According to local news reports hotels, and casinos remain operational and operate with limited services.
How to make a reservation for MGM Resorts?
Hotels.com or Expedia no longer list MGM hotels in Las Vegas.
Marriott Bonvoy, a partner with MGM quietly took all MGM Hotels out of the Bonvoy and Marriott reservation pages- not even a photo left.
In Las Vegas alone MGM has 50,000 hotel rooms, most located on the famous strip . The company is losing millions by the hour.
MGM Resorts International issued the following official statement:
“MGM Resorts recently identified a cybersecurity issue affecting certain of the Company’s systems. Promptly after detecting the issue, we began an investigation with assistance from leading external cybersecurity experts. We also notified law enforcement and are taking steps to protect our systems and data, including shutting down certain systems. Our investigation is ongoing, and we are working diligently to resolve the matter. The Company will continue to implement measures to secure its business operations and take additional steps as appropriate.”
When did the attack against MGM Resorts start?
It all started on Sunday, September 10, when this giant resort operation had to shut down most operations.
Guests were locked out of their rooms and received traditional keys since key cards no longer worked.
The one-armed bandits, known as slot machines were quiet.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is not the case for MGM Resorts.
Hotels across the world operated by MGM are going through this situation, which was described as the worst nightmare for Security experts.
“Our resorts, including dining, entertainment, and gaming, are currently operational, and continue to deliver the experiences for which MGM is known,” the company said in a follow-up statement on social media on Monday.
MGM Resorts Award system data compromised?
MGM Awards which is now linked to the Marriott Bonvoy program has been targeted. An obvious threat could be the personal data of millions of guests who stayed in the hotel and gambled could be compromised.
According to security experts, the attack directly affected the operation of ATM and slot machines, electronic room keys, the MGM Reward program, and the reservation system. Such attacks are often insider jobs, Zane Bond, head of product at Keeper Security told a local reporter.
Will MGM Resorts pay the Ransom?
This may be a case, where the hotel group will pay the ransom demand. Other than governments, the private sector is authorized to reward extortioners.
More on MGM Resorts seems to be far from the current situation
According to the updated press statement, MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife, and retail offerings.
All of this seems to be far from reality in the last 3 days.SOURCE: MGM Resorts are Fighting for Survival – Attack Ongoing BY: eTurboNews | eTN
