Atlantic City Casino Grapples with Cybersecurity Problems Linked to MGM Resorts
In recent developments, the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, a property under the MGM Resorts International umbrella, has encountered operational disruptions stemming from a cybersecurity issue. According to https://www.online-casinos-nj.com/, since sunday, the casino has been contending with a range of computer system problems, particularly concerning payment processing and the functionality of MGM Rewards accounts. It remains uncertain whether these challenges are the result of a cyberattack.
Following the systems’ downtime on Sunday, MGM Resorts International launched an investigation into the matter. Cybersecurity experts have been enlisted to aid in uncovering the root cause behind the system disruptions. Notably, MGM Resorts’ website(https://www.mgmresorts.com/en.html) is currently inaccessible, and the MGM Rewards app is also unavailable.
Services typically offered by New Jersey casinos, such as the Borgata Casino, have been suspended due to this cyber issue. Guests have been unable to utilize digital room keys or make hotel reservations, and restaurant bookings have also been affected. Given that casinos like the Borgata heavily rely on computer technology for their operations, this incident has resulted in significant service disruptions.
On Monday morning, MGM Resorts issued a statement online confirming that an investigation is underway and that law enforcement agencies have been notified about the situation. In an effort to safeguard the company’s systems and data, certain systems have been taken offline.
Interestingly, the cybersecurity problems have not affected the sports betting and online casino sectors of MGM Resorts. Both BetMGM sportsbook and the online casino have continued to operate without any issues. The nature of the systems in use or other specific factors may explain why this disruption only impacted land-based services.
Considering the history of cybersecurity incidents in the casino industry, it would not be surprising if MGM Resorts’ current predicament was the result of a cyberattack. Casinos are often attractive targets for hackers due to the substantial volume of data they handle and the financial transactions that occur within their establishments.
Casinos draw thousands of visitors regularly, offering dining, entertainment, casino games, and lodging services. Payment methods typically involve credit cards, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks resulting in data breaches have not been uncommon in the casino sector.
Moreover, casinos rely extensively on computerized technology for various services, ranging from managing hotel keys and casino games to administering rewards programs and handling dining reservations. While MGM Resorts did have contingency plans in place to address customer needs during service disruptions, these solutions are temporary.
This incident serves as a reminder for casino operators to prioritize robust security measures to protect visitors from potential attacks and ensure the safety of their personal and financial information. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the issue at MGM Resorts was due to a security breach orchestrated by hackers or simply a software malfunction. Regardless of the cause, this event underscores the importance of having contingency plans in place to manage operational disruptions promptly, ensuring that patrons can access services without undue delay.