Summary:
- The breach remained unnoticed for months.
- Employees and customers were notified in November.
- Free credit monitoring is being provided to affected individuals.
Yet another cyberattack has taken place in the gaming world. Rivers Casino Des Plaines was the latest venue hit by hackers, with the cyber incident actually taking place in August but remaining unnoticed for months.
The time frame would have been the same as Caesars and MGM’s attacks, so the same culprits are likely connected to each incident.
Employees and Customers Affected
Rivers Casino did not know anything was amiss until November and only recently began informing guests and employees of the data breach. Personal information may have been stolen, so Rivers gives those affected tools to help with free credit monitoring.
This cyber incident poses a larger threat than the one taking place via MGM and Caesars. At Rivers, the casino database was hacked, and the criminals could access social security numbers, driver’s license information, and bank account numbers. Passport data and tax ID numbers.
Additional information that is likely to have been stolen as well includes customer and employee emails, cellphone numbers, birthdates, and physical addresses. The criminals can use the information to commit financial fraud or identity theft.
The casino has not provided any information about who may be behind the attack or if a ransom was requested. It is also unclear how many people may be affected by the Illinois casino breach.
No Interruptions for the Casino
The attack on Rivers differed from that on MGM or Caesars, as it did not disrupt the company’s day-to-day operations. Rivers does not believe other casinos were affected by the breach, and the BetRivers online brand does not seem to be hacked either.
There is no evidence that the hackers used the stolen data in any way. However, it would not be surprising to find the information sold online via the dark web in the future. The FBI and other organizations are sure to be monitoring dark web traffic for the information.
This attack has occurred in the gaming industry over the past few months. The FBI has reported that hackers are using new trends to attack companies in the gambling industry to obtain data and ransom payments.
Consumers are advised to use antivirus protection and check credit reports to remain vigilant against identity theft. The upcoming holiday season is usually a busy travel time for gamblers, so players should remain aware of personal information and check data often. Casinos are also being advised by authorities to upgrade security measures and continue to monitor systems for any potential threats.
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