Article Details
Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-09-25 12:55:20.691
Original Article Text
Click to Toggle View
Teen suspected of Vegas casino cyberattacks released to parents. A 17-year-old hacker who surrendered to face charges over cyberattacks targeting Vegas casinos in 2023 has been released into the custody of his parents, a family court judge ruled. The teenage boy, who is suspected to be part of the Scattered Spier threat group, has been imposed some restrictions that include limited use of the internet, phone, and electronics. Although the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department did not name the casinos targeted, it noted that the attacks occurred between August and October 2023 and described them as "sophisticated network intrusions" attributed to Scattered Spider. During that period, Scattered Spider compromised the network of MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment casinos. and deployed the BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware. The incidents caused significant operational disruptions and compromised sensitive data belonging to staff and customers. They cost MGM more than $100 million in damages, while Caesars paid a $15 million ransom. The prosecutors believe the suspect is still holding an estimated $1.8 million worth of Bitcoin cryptocurrency but it hasn't been found yet. They argued that the suspect should remain detained until the hearing in November, on grounds of his operational sophistication and massive financial gain. The hacker’s lawyers characterized the detention request as “disingenuous,” highlighting the teen’s clean criminal recor and requesting a supervised release. Family Court Judge Dee Smart Butler sided with the defense and ordered the release subject to the following restrictions: Any violation of the above will result in the immediate detention by probation officers. The charges the hacker currently faces concern obtaining personally identifiable information for harm or impersonation, extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, and unlawful computer acts. The prosecutors are seeking additional charges and also request that the hacker be tried as an adult, which incurs harsher, long-term imprisonment sentences. Last year, another teenage boy, a 17-year old, was arrested in connection with Scattered Spider cyberattacks. He was released on bail pending investigation. The boy was suspected of being involved in the MGM Resorts ransomware attack and part of the Scattered Spider hacking collective. Picus Blue Report 2025 is Here: 2X increase in password cracking 46% of environments had passwords cracked, nearly doubling from 25% last year. Get the Picus Blue Report 2025 now for a comprehensive look at more findings on prevention, detection, and data exfiltration trends.
Daily Brief Summary
A 17-year-old linked to cyberattacks on Vegas casinos was released to parental custody after being charged with sophisticated network intrusions.
The attacks, attributed to the Scattered Spider group, targeted MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, deploying BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware.
Operational disruptions and data breaches resulted in over $100 million in damages for MGM and a $15 million ransom paid by Caesars.
Prosecutors allege the suspect holds $1.8 million in Bitcoin, yet to be recovered, and advocate for trial as an adult due to the attack's severity.
The court imposed restrictions on the suspect's internet and electronics use, with any violations leading to immediate detention.
Charges include extortion, conspiracy, and unlawful computer acts, with potential for additional charges as investigations progress.
The case reflects ongoing challenges in managing cyber threats from younger individuals involved in sophisticated criminal activities.