FBI's Battle Against a Ruthless Casino Hacking Gang Revealed
The FBI has been struggling to disrupt a cybercrime gang responsible for high-profile hacks on casino operators MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, according to cybersecurity responders and industry executives. Despite knowing the identities of at least a dozen members of the hacking group, known as "Scattered Spider," for over six months, there have been no arrests. The FBI's investigation has gained urgency following the casino hacks, but challenges such as a lack of manpower, victims' hesitancy to cooperate, and the loose-knit nature of the group have hindered progress. The gang, which operates in Western countries including the United States, engages in various illicit activities, including sextortion, ransomware, and violence-as-a-service. Cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike, Mandiant, Palo Alto Networks, and Microsoft are assisting in the response effort and collecting evidence to aid law enforcement.