Guests at Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip this week have received a disturbing surprise — daily inspections conducted of their rooms, even if the “Do Not Disturb” sign is hung outside them.
With two cyberconventions in Las Vegas this week, Resorts World is not taking any cyberchances. (Image: Wikipedia)
The inspections, during which cybersecurity experts visually inspect the room for computer hacking equipment, are believed to be Resorts World’s response to two large, back-to-back cyberconventions in town. Black Hat USA started at Mandalay Bay on Saturday and runs until Thursday, while Def Con 32 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Thursday through Sunday.
Both conventions attract cybersecurity experts, government officials, corporate executives, and, unavoidably, hackers to check out the latest breakthroughs in cybersecurity and attend discussions of industry issues.
Resorts World’s inspections began Monday and will conclude Sunday. In a statement issued to the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper, the casino resort said they have been performed with the “highest respect for our guests’ privacy and convenience, following strict protocols to ensure minimal disruption to their stay.”
Once Hacked, Twice Shy
Though Resorts World was not targeted, in September 2023, the two largest casino operators on the Las Vegas Strip, MGM and Caesars Entertainment, were both attacked by members of the hacking collective Scattered Spider.
MGM refused to pay a ransom, a decision that led to more than $100 million in earnings losses after the company’s US resorts were highly disrupted by the attack. Caesars took a different response in deciding to pay a ransom, said to be around $15 million.
Though authorities have tied neither cyberattack to cyberconventions in Las Vegas, Resorts World is not willing to take any chances.
“These inspections are a standard practice in many of Las Vegas’ premiere hotels, particularly during periods of increased foreseeable risk, where vigilance is critical,” its statement read. “These inspections are a precautionary measure intended to enhance our on-site security presence (both physical security and cybersecurity), maintain the integrity of our property’s services, and safeguard our guests, business partners, and staff against potential cyberattack threats.”
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