FBI issues advisory on group that hacked BetMGM and Caesars online gambling platforms

A Joint Cybersecurity Advisory regarding Scattered Spider, the notorious hacker group that recently targeted Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International, has been released by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

"Critical infrastructure organizations" are being forewarned by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to take immediate action to strengthen the security of their IT systems and processes against common threats posed by the hacking group.

According to the Joint Cybersecurity Advisory, the criminals use social engineering, which is the act of tricking or manipulating a victim into granting access to a system, to carry out data extortion.

 

[CR7]

Thank you for sharing the news about the FBI's advisory on the hacker group Scattered Spider and their recent targeting of Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International. This joint advisory from the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to enhance the security of critical infrastructure organizations' IT systems.

The advisory notes that Scattered Spider employs social engineering tactics to gain unauthorized access to systems and carry out data extortion. Social engineering is a method that involves manipulating individuals, often through deception or impersonation, to trick them into providing access or sensitive information. This approach can be highly effective in bypassing traditional security measures.

By warning organizations about the tactics used by Scattered Spider, the advisory aims to prompt immediate action to strengthen security measures. It is crucial for critical infrastructure organizations to assess their current security protocols, educate employees about social engineering schemes, and implement robust safeguards to protect against such threats.

Given the sophisticated nature of cybercriminal activities, it is important for organizations to remain vigilant, regularly update security measures, and train employees to recognize and report potential scam attempts or suspicious activities. Additionally, collaborating with external cybersecurity professionals can provide valuable insights and expertise in identifying and mitigating risks.

Overall, the release of this advisory serves as a proactive step to raise awareness and encourage organizations to prioritize cybersecurity, especially when dealing with critical infrastructure systems that are crucial for public safety and national security.