‘It’s not worth it,’ MGM warns after 17-year-old arrested in alleged cyber attack

A 17-year-old suspect is in custody for allegedly hacking into the computer systems of MGM Resorts International, parent company of Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi.

The teen from Walsall in the U.K. was taken into custody on suspicion of blackmail and computer misuse act offenses, according to a press release Friday from officials in England, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

He and was released on bail and the investigation continues.

The incident happened in September and MGM took down its website and email, along with other systems, following the cyber attack.

Beau Rivage and other MGM casinos remained open but the company had to create processes to handle hotel check-in and check-out through the front desk and to use physical keys so guests could access their hotel rooms. Reservations for dinner and entertainment had to be made by phone.

In a statement released Friday, MGM said it was “proud” to have assisted law enforcement in locating and arresting one of the alleged criminals responsible for the cyber attack on its company and also on many others.

Caesars Entertainment, parent company of Harrah’s Gulf Coast, and Singing River Health Systems in South Mississippi also were dealing with cyber attacks at the same time, although it’s not known if they are connected.

“We know first-hand the damage these criminals can do and the importance of working with law enforcement to fight back,” MGM said in the statement.

“By voluntarily shutting down our systems, refusing to pay a ransom and working with law enforcement on their investigation and response, the message to criminals was clear: it’s not worth it.

“We are forever grateful to the FBI for their support and work with international law enforcement to bring these criminals to justice,” MGM said.