2023 was “a watershed year” for ransomware attacks, and one in which ransom payments almost doubled to a record $1.1 billion high. That’s according to a new report from Chainanalysis. The MGM Grand in Las Vegas, pictured above. The casino giant refused to pay the ransom that accompanied a September 2023 cyberattack, and the ensuing disruption caused an estimated $100 million in damage. (Image: CoStar) The New York-based blockchain analysis firm noted that hackers are increasingly deploying a “big game hunting” strategy. That means going after global corporations, such as British Airways, and casino giants like MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, in search of bigger payloads. Ransomware payment volume increasingly involved payments of $1 million or more, the report stated. Hospitals, schools, and government agencies were also frequently targeted. “2023 marks a major comeback for ransomware, with record-breaking payments and a substantial increase in the scope and complexity of attacks… Read More

Category: Commercial Gaming, Crime & Scandals, Live Casinos, Research, Technology, #MGM, big game hunting, Caesars, cyber crime, hackers, ransomware, Scattered Spider 

Source: Land Casino & Gambling News (Casino Projects & Openings) – Casino.org