'They're more likely to get paid because they're disrupting casino operations,' said Allan Liska, intelligence analyst at the security firm Recorded Future. Such attacks are typical hallmarks of ransomware incidents in which extortionists encrypt victims' computer systems and demand ransoms in digital currency.Īnalysts say casinos are prime targets of financially-motivated cybercrimes. The rating agency Moody's warned the breach could negatively impact MGM's credit rating.
The FBI said on Wednesday it was investigating the incident, but did not elaborate. 'They leverage tradecraft that is challenging for many organizations with mature security programs to defend against,' Carmakal said.
