Ransomware attacks have typically been targeted at healthcare providers, but recently slot machines in two Las Vegas casinos were out of order for almost a week in an incident that bears all the signs of a ransomware attack. Computer Business Review brought this interesting news to us in their article, “Casinos in Las Vegas Hit by Suspected Ransomware Attack.”
The two casino’s websites also remained down on Tuesday, after the incident, first reported six days earlier. This leaves other casinos concerned that they might be next. Especially after the MGM Grand’s security breach last summer that exposed the personal details of a reported 10.6 million guests.
Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files and demands ransom payment in order to regain access. The earliest variants of ransomware were developed in the late 1980s, and payment was to be sent via snail mail. Today, ransomware authors order that payment be sent via cryptocurrency or credit card. Nearly 1,000 US government agencies, educational establishments and healthcare providers were hit by ransomware attacks in 2019 alone.
Melody K. Smith
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