Group in US casino hacks skilled at duping workers for access

Known as Scattered Spider and UNC3944, the group spun a web of chaos this week after launching a cyberattack at MGM Resorts International, according to five people familiar with the incident. — AP

The hacking group suspected of cyberattacks against two giant casino operators has quickly made a name for itself for its skills in social engineering, such as tricking someone to gain access to a computer system or another storehouse of sensitive information.

Known as Scattered Spider and UNC3944, the group spun a web of chaos this week after launching a cyberattack at MGM Resorts International, according to five people familiar with the incident. The cyberattack resulted in downed websites and slot machines and staffers to check people into hotel rooms manually. The group has been causing havoc across North American companies in 2023, according to Adam Meyers, senior vice president of intelligence at Crowdstrike Holdings Inc, who said in an interview last month that the attacks had escalated to "a couple a week.”