Las Vegas Police arrested an unidentified male teenager for allegedly orchestrating cyberattacks that cost Las Vegas casinos over $100 million in 2023. The minor faces extortion and computer-related offense charges connected to attacks on Caesars and MGM Resorts properties. Rather than targeting banking systems, the hacker disrupted internal casino operations by canceling reservations, shutting down slot machines, and disabling hotel key cards. Authorities describe his method as “shockingly simple.” In MGM Resorts’ case, he allegedly located an employee’s name on LinkedIn, then called the company’s IT department requesting a password reset. The 10-minute phone call gave him access to multiple MGM properties, including MGM Grand, Bellagio, Luxor, Excalibur, and the Cosmopolitan. Police have not released the suspect’s identity due to his minor status. (Story URL)
