The FBI has faced significant challenges in disrupting a highly aggressive cybercrime gang known as “Scattered Spider,” which has been responsible for a series of high-profile casino hacks, including those at MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. These attacks have caused substantial financial damages, with MGM Resorts reporting approximately $100 million in losses and Caesars Entertainment paying around $15 million in ransom to regain access to its systems. The group, active since 2021, has targeted around 230 organizations across various sectors, demonstrating a diverse range of criminal activities from ransomware to sextortion.
The gang’s effectiveness is attributed to its decentralized structure, comprising small clusters of hackers who collaborate on specific jobs, making it difficult for law enforcement to track and arrest its members. Despite knowing the identities of at least a dozen members, the FBI’s efforts have been hampered by a lack of manpower, the reluctance of victim companies to cooperate with investigations, and the gang’s sophisticated operational tactics. The hackers are known for their ruthless and threatening approaches, including extorting victim companies under threat of violence.
Additionally, the FBI’s Most Wanted list for cybercriminals offers rewards totaling $4.2 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the top five most wanted cyber criminals, showcasing the serious threat posed by individuals engaged in significant cyber frauds and attacks on U.S. infrastructure.