News Summary
A teenage suspect has been arrested in Las Vegas following a series of cyberattacks that impacted casinos on the strip, resulting in over $100 million in losses. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have charged him with extortion and multiple computer-related offenses linked to organized cyber crime. The attacks severely affected Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, leading to data breaches and operational disruptions. This incident highlights the growing threat of sophisticated cyber threats targeting the hospitality sector in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas
A teenage suspect has been arrested in Las Vegas in connection with a series of cyberattacks that cost casinos on the Las Vegas strip at least $100 million. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) announced the suspect has been charged with multiple offenses, including extortion and unlawful acts involving a computer for a “sophisticated cyber crime” that occurred in 2023.
The cyberattacks primarily targeted Caesars Entertainment, leading to the loss of sensitive customer data, and caused notable operational disruptions at MGM Resorts International properties. The attacks transpired between August and October 2023 and were conducted by an “organized cyber threat-actor group” identified by names such as “Scattered Spider,” “Octo Tempest,” “UNC3944,” and “0ktapus.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Las Vegas Cyber Task Force played a crucial role in identifying the teenage suspect. The suspect voluntarily turned himself in at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center on September 17, 2025. He faces extensive charges including extortion, obtaining and using personal identifying information to harm or impersonate users, and unlawful acts regarding computers. Additionally, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office has the potential to elevate these charges to adult status.
MGM Resorts International reported a substantial $100 million loss due to the cyber security incident and detailed the operational disruptions that resulted from the attacks. On the other hand, Caesars Entertainment confirmed that hackers accessed customer data, encompassing driver’s license information and social security numbers of loyalty program members, following a social engineering attack.
In an SEC filing, Caesars stated they had implemented measures to ensure the stolen data was deleted; however, they could not guarantee successful deletion, leading to speculation that they may have paid the hackers for the data’s return. This incident underscores the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the industry.
Additionally, a separate cybersecurity incident targeted Nevada’s public services just a month prior, on August 25, 2025, which further highlights ongoing security concerns in the region. Although Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo confirmed that no evidence has emerged indicating that personal information from Nevadans was compromised in the public services cyberattack, the incidents raise alarms about the vulnerability of sensitive data in Nevada.
This series of attacks marks a significant trend in cyber threats facing businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. The involvement of organized cyber threat groups demonstrates the increasing complexity and sophistication of such cyber crimes. As the investigation continues, the focus will likely remain on enhancing cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents and safeguard consumer data.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Teen Arrested in Vegas Casino Cyberattack
- Google Search: Las Vegas Cyber Attack
- KTLA: Sophisticated $100M Cyber Attack on Vegas Strip
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cybersecurity
- The Independent: Las Vegas Cyber Attack
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas Casino Cyberattack
- Fox 5 Vegas: Teen Arrested for 2023 Cyberattack
- Google News: Las Vegas Cyberattack
- SFGate: Teen Arrested in Vegas Strip Cyber Attack
- San Diego News: Teen Accused of Hacking Las Vegas Casinos
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
