Cache Creek Casino launches probe into Cyber Attack
In March 2020 two Las Vegas casinos suspended slots operations because of malware
On September 20, Sacramento, Northern California’s Cache Creek Casino Resort announced it would shut down temporarily and began a probe into what it called “a systems infrastructure failure”. Las week, the company confirmed that malicious third parties had launched a cyber-attack on Cache Creek’s servers, and the casino responded by opening an investigation.
Speaking to local Sacramento media, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation tribal, owners of the property, confirmed that there had been a cyberattack. In a statement to the media, Yocha representatives reassured that the privacy of guests and employees was the highest priority, adding: “We are working closely with independent experts who regularly investigate incidents of this type to determine any risks to data security. Attacks like these are significant and can take weeks to research thoroughly.”
As the investigation continues, Cache Creek Casino already has an action plan. In the event that the attack has breached guests and employees’ personal data, affected parties would receive a notification in writing. The casino took the opportunity to address its employees and alleviate their concerns. A Cache Creek Casino rep. responded by saying that all employees would receive their full pay and benefits. That is regardless of whether they have been called to work or have to wait out for the investigation to wrap up.
Ransomware Attack Suspected
According to the media Sacramento Bee, an anonymous source shared that the FBI is on the case. The Feds are reportedly investigating a ransomware attack. That type of attack holds an informational database “hostage”. Hackers promise to return access to hijacked information once payment is made.
Cache Creek Casino has refused to comment on the authenticity of this statement. A spokesperson has confirmed, though, that the casino would need to remain closed until changes had been made. Specifically, Cache Creek Casino will fortify its infrastructure before reopening for business. There is no reopening date announced for the Cache Creek casino.
This is not the first property to have dealt with cyberattacks in the gaming industry. In February and March 2020, two Las Vegas properties had to suspend operations on their slot gaming floor because of malware. The attack happened during opening hours, prompting an uproar at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino and Binion’s Casino in Las Vegas. The casinos were out of service for almost a week.
Ransomware is becoming an increasingly serious problem in the casino space. Hackers are able to encrypt entire systems and hold them hostage until payment. However, there is no guarantee that once a payment completes the hackers would restore access.
According to cyber security experts, it is best not to cave in to hackers’demands, but rather inform authorities promptly. Cache Creek Casino added: “We will be stronger from this, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our operation from these network predators. We are undaunted in our commitment to the security of our organization and the future of our business.”
