MGM Resorts cybersecurity incident September 2023
September 15th, 2023 at 8:41:20 AM
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Quote: 100xOddsonly down 7% in last 5 daysQuote: MukkeI just bought a lottery ticket some puts. It seems only appropriate to gamble in a situation like this. :)
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Yeah the stock is surprisingly resilient to these events.
September 15th, 2023 at 10:00:48 AM
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Quote: MukkeQuote: 100xOddsonly down 7% in last 5 daysQuote: MukkeI just bought a lottery ticket some puts. It seems only appropriate to gamble in a situation like this. :)
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Yeah the stock is surprisingly resilient to these events.
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There are some who will respect MGM for not paying thirty million like Caesars.
It's also coming out that everything that happened was actually caused by MGM. They received the cyber threat and immediately shut down on their own to prevent the action and begin rebuilding from their backups.
Finally gambling in general is an addiction and most customers will probably return. Especially if there is a generosity of offers.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 15th, 2023 at 10:07:35 AM
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I believe CZR paid the ransom to get back the customer data. If CZR let my driver's license and social security number be sold to the highest bidder rather than protect me, then I and tens of millions of people will be very upset. They could face a class action lawsuit.
So far as we know, MGM didn't let the hackers access their customer's sensitive information.
So far as we know, MGM didn't let the hackers access their customer's sensitive information.
Gambling is a math contest where the score is tracked in dollars. Try not to get a negative score.
September 15th, 2023 at 10:08:56 AM
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Quote: darkoz
There are some who will respect MGM for not paying thirty million like Caesars.
It's also coming out that everything that happened was actually caused by MGM. They received the cyber threat and immediately shut down on their own to prevent the action and begin rebuilding from their backups.
Finally gambling in general is an addiction and most customers will probably return. Especially if there is a generosity of offers.
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Oh absolutely. I actually totally support any decision not to pay. I think it's still too early to know what actually happened and what caused what.
If in the end they come out of this with systems built from scratch and all malicious actors evicted from their system, then they've done a great job. However, at this time I'm still nervous (on their behalf) if the malicious actors still have access/control and things turn sour again.
The piece that really don't make sense to me is if the attackers told MGM "Pay us or bad stuff will happen". The reason Ransomware is so successful is that once you're aware, the harm is already done. It doesn't make sense the attackers would actively contact the victim BEFORE data has been encrypted.
And while you're right customers will be back, that still doesn't make up for the loss of revenue AND increased costs over the last week (and likely increased costs going forward to prevent this from happening again. I'm guess security will be a large line item on upcoming budgets.)
September 15th, 2023 at 10:26:13 AM
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This problem at MGM is apparently a big enough deal that many of the midwestern septaugenarians at rehab exercise this morning were gossipping about it.
As near as I can tell, many of these folks haven't been to Vegas in a decade, and are occasional entertainment gamblers.
As near as I can tell, many of these folks haven't been to Vegas in a decade, and are occasional entertainment gamblers.
May the cards fall in your favor.
September 15th, 2023 at 10:33:41 AM
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Quote: MukkeQuote: darkoz
There are some who will respect MGM for not paying thirty million like Caesars.
It's also coming out that everything that happened was actually caused by MGM. They received the cyber threat and immediately shut down on their own to prevent the action and begin rebuilding from their backups.
Finally gambling in general is an addiction and most customers will probably return. Especially if there is a generosity of offers.
link to original post
Oh absolutely. I actually totally support any decision not to pay. I think it's still too early to know what actually happened and what caused what.
If in the end they come out of this with systems built from scratch and all malicious actors evicted from their system, then they've done a great job. However, at this time I'm still nervous (on their behalf) if the malicious actors still have access/control and things turn sour again.
The piece that really don't make sense to me is if the attackers told MGM "Pay us or bad stuff will happen". The reason Ransomware is so successful is that once you're aware, the harm is already done. It doesn't make sense the attackers would actively contact the victim BEFORE data has been encrypted.
And while you're right customers will be back, that still doesn't make up for the loss of revenue AND increased costs over the last week (and likely increased costs going forward to prevent this from happening again. I'm guess security will be a large line item on upcoming budgets.)
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I'm just hazarding a guess could be wrong but based kn what I have read so far.
From what I read the malware group infiltrated the system and was "searching in secret" when MGM detected them. They may have been made aware by Caesars as a courtesy that (or the FBI) that an incident had just occurred with Caesars.
So upon the warning and discovery someone had infiltrated but not yet reached the level they needed they took actioto shut themselves down.
From what I currently understand (there's a bit of online speculation) the database information was not acquired by the cyber attack. The group was inside and still poking around. MGM shut down to prevent further damage.
I'm sure (some variation of) the truth will eventually come out.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 15th, 2023 at 11:38:50 AM
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Quote: MentalI believe CZR paid the ransom to get back the customer data. If CZR let my driver's license and social security number be sold to the highest bidder rather than protect me, then I and tens of millions of people will be very upset. They could face a class action lawsuit.
So far as we know, MGM didn't let the hackers access their customer's sensitive information.
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I will gladly sell my DL number and SS# for $100 of freeplay.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
September 15th, 2023 at 11:46:58 AM
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I will gladly sell my DL number and SS# for $100 of freeplay.
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Activate numerous credit blocking services and you can sell them to people over and over again. (Then you can watch a parade of people probably go off to jail)
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Activate numerous credit blocking services and you can sell them to people over and over again. (Then you can watch a parade of people probably go off to jail)
Sanitized for Your Protection
September 15th, 2023 at 11:52:13 AM
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Heh heh.
In Hollywood, a Vegas heist involves a Sinatra/Clooney type guy having his crew elaborately sneak through back rooms and into underground vaults to get the cash.
In reality, you just need a tech geek sitting in his mom's basement, drinking Mountain Dew, and licking Cheeto residue off his fingers while he cackles at the computer monitor and rakes in millions. Do you think Jack Black is too old to star?
In Hollywood, a Vegas heist involves a Sinatra/Clooney type guy having his crew elaborately sneak through back rooms and into underground vaults to get the cash.
In reality, you just need a tech geek sitting in his mom's basement, drinking Mountain Dew, and licking Cheeto residue off his fingers while he cackles at the computer monitor and rakes in millions. Do you think Jack Black is too old to star?
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
September 15th, 2023 at 11:58:00 AM
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Quote: darkozQuote: MukkeQuote: darkoz
There are some who will respect MGM for not paying thirty million like Caesars.
It's also coming out that everything that happened was actually caused by MGM. They received the cyber threat and immediately shut down on their own to prevent the action and begin rebuilding from their backups.
Finally gambling in general is an addiction and most customers will probably return. Especially if there is a generosity of offers.
link to original post
Oh absolutely. I actually totally support any decision not to pay. I think it's still too early to know what actually happened and what caused what.
If in the end they come out of this with systems built from scratch and all malicious actors evicted from their system, then they've done a great job. However, at this time I'm still nervous (on their behalf) if the malicious actors still have access/control and things turn sour again.
The piece that really don't make sense to me is if the attackers told MGM "Pay us or bad stuff will happen". The reason Ransomware is so successful is that once you're aware, the harm is already done. It doesn't make sense the attackers would actively contact the victim BEFORE data has been encrypted.
And while you're right customers will be back, that still doesn't make up for the loss of revenue AND increased costs over the last week (and likely increased costs going forward to prevent this from happening again. I'm guess security will be a large line item on upcoming budgets.)
link to original post
I'm just hazarding a guess could be wrong but based kn what I have read so far.
From what I read the malware group infiltrated the system and was "searching in secret" when MGM detected them. They may have been made aware by Caesars as a courtesy that (or the FBI) that an incident had just occurred with Caesars.
So upon the warning and discovery someone had infiltrated but not yet reached the level they needed they took actioto shut themselves down.
From what I currently understand (there's a bit of online speculation) the database information was not acquired by the cyber attack. The group was inside and still poking around. MGM shut down to prevent further damage.
I'm sure (some variation of) the truth will eventually come out.
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I wonder if they intended to lurk until closer to F1 weekend fee better leverage?
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things."
-- Isaac Newton
September 15th, 2023 at 12:02:00 PM
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Quote: GialmereHeh heh.
In Hollywood, a Vegas heist involves a Sinatra/Clooney type guy having his crew elaborately sneak through back rooms and into underground vaults to get the cash.
In reality, you just need a tech geek sitting in his mom's basement, drinking Mountain Dew, and licking Cheeto residue off his fingers while he cackles at the computer monitor and rakes in millions. Do you think Jack Black is too old to star?
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That's funny you mentioned that.
In the Ocean's 11 commentary the director says its absolutely true that the casinos must keep enough cash on hand to cover every possible wager.
And then the screenwriter corrects him and admits he made that whole thing up. That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
The director was shocked but the writer said there would have been no movie if he hadn't made that up.
Not to mention a large amount of the cash in the casino would either be in drop boxes or the redemption machines or at the cashier cages. It certainly wouldn't be laying on the floor of a gigantic vault lol.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 15th, 2023 at 12:05:54 PM
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Quote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
September 15th, 2023 at 12:07:08 PM
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Quote: darkoz
Not to mention a large amount of the cash in the casino would either be in drop boxes or the redemption machines or at the cashier cages. It certainly wouldn't be laying on the floor of a gigantic vault lol.
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What????
I thought the last few days all the slot attendants have been doing lemming roundtrip walks between the vault and the players to manually pay out $3.50 "hand pays".
September 15th, 2023 at 12:11:58 PM
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Quote: DRichQuote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
link to original post
See this article that actually covers this for real
https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/casino-cash-reserves/
It mentions a spreadsheet. I didn't take time to find the spreadsheet at this time, but I do remember playing around with it in the past (that memory is what lead me to look for an article like this).
The bottom line is - Yes, they need to have a lot of money on hand. No, they don't need to have infinite money on hand :)
September 15th, 2023 at 12:21:38 PM
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Quote: DRichQuote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
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Yes subjective.
The plot point in Ocean's 11 was that on a major fight night the casino by law had to have at least $160 million (laying in one spot on the vault no less) so that the 11 members could each walk off more than 11 million per person.
Subjective yes but for the Ocean's crew ten million wouldn't have even paid for the cost of their operation.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 15th, 2023 at 12:31:05 PM
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Quote: darkozQuote: DRichQuote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
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Yes subjective.
The plot point in Ocean's 11 was that on a major fight night the casino by law had to have at least $160 million (laying in one spot on the vault no less) so that the 11 members could each walk off more than 11 million per person.
Subjective yes but for the Ocean's crew ten million wouldn't have even paid for the cost of their operation.
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I have worked with various casinos from very small to large. One small casino with less than 100 slot machines and no table games kept between $500k and $1 million cash on hand. I have also worked with 100's of bars in Las Vegas that had slot machines and would have between $15k and $90k on hand. Most jackpots of $10k or more were paid by dispatch and not money kept on hand at the properties.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
September 15th, 2023 at 12:49:24 PM
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I feel like my college computer gaming years is being attackedQuote: GialmereIn reality, you just need a tech geek sitting in his mom's basement, drinking Mountain Dew, and licking Cheeto residue off his fingers while he cackles at the computer monitor and rakes in millions.
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:)
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
September 15th, 2023 at 12:51:49 PM
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hm.. The only non-major casino on the strip is casino royale (?).Quote: DRichQuote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
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and how the hell are they still independent sitting on a prime location (center Strip)
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
September 15th, 2023 at 12:53:32 PM
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lol Lemming walksQuote: MukkeQuote: darkoz
Not to mention a large amount of the cash in the casino would either be in drop boxes or the redemption machines or at the cashier cages. It certainly wouldn't be laying on the floor of a gigantic vault lol.
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What????
I thought the last few days all the slot attendants have been doing lemming roundtrip walks between the vault and the players to manually pay out $3.50 "hand pays".
link to original post
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
September 15th, 2023 at 12:54:26 PM
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Quote: MukkeQuote: DRichQuote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
link to original post
See this article that actually covers this for real
https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/casino-cash-reserves/
It mentions a spreadsheet. I didn't take time to find the spreadsheet at this time, but I do remember playing around with it in the past (that memory is what lead me to look for an article like this).
The bottom line is - Yes, they need to have a lot of money on hand. No, they don't need to have infinite money on hand :)
link to original post
It's been a while for me too, but I seem to recall something about being able to cover the biggest jackpot on the floor, if it were hit.
I believe cash on hand is usually more than that, so that the house doesn't need to stop all play to avoid running afoul of the minimum cash requirements if the big jackpot does get hit.
May the cards fall in your favor.
September 15th, 2023 at 1:00:31 PM
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Quote: DieterQuote: MukkeQuote: DRichQuote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
link to original post
See this article that actually covers this for real
https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/casino-cash-reserves/
It mentions a spreadsheet. I didn't take time to find the spreadsheet at this time, but I do remember playing around with it in the past (that memory is what lead me to look for an article like this).
The bottom line is - Yes, they need to have a lot of money on hand. No, they don't need to have infinite money on hand :)
link to original post
It's been a while for me too, but I seem to recall something about being able to cover the biggest jackpot on the floor, if it were hit.
I believe cash on hand is usually more than that, so that the house doesn't need to stop all play to avoid running afoul of the minimum cash requirements if the big jackpot does get hit.
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Yes that was part of the commentary discussion. They would just write a check if they couldn't cover in cash.
In the commentary the screenwriter said the casinos kept the bulk in the bank for the usual reasons. They get interest if it's kept in the bank as opposed to on the casino floor.
If you took that plot point seriously then every casino owned by MGM on a fight night across the country would need some huge amount on the grounds? MGM has what 28 properties across the US?
$160 million times 28? Not collecting interest in a bank?
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 15th, 2023 at 1:58:15 PM
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just needs the part where he becomes someones bitch in an MAX prison for an few years.
September 15th, 2023 at 3:21:08 PM
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Good thing they didnt break into the slot machine vault. 22 metric tons of quarters back then.
(Have no idea!)
(Have no idea!)
Sanitized for Your Protection
September 15th, 2023 at 3:32:02 PM
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If you think it through the whole plot point is ridiculous.
The casino is required to have enough to pay out every single wager. They choose a fight night because that means $160 million.
Which implies on a slow night the vault would have considerably less.
So let's say $90 million. So Thursday before the fight the casino only has $90 mil. Then Friday morning the weekend of the fight the casino has to withdraw from the bank $70 million? Then return the extra on Monday morning for the slow days.
And every day they have to shuttle what MAY be needed back and forth via armored trucks? Exposing all those millions in transit.
Come on, ridiculous.
The casino is required to have enough to pay out every single wager. They choose a fight night because that means $160 million.
Which implies on a slow night the vault would have considerably less.
So let's say $90 million. So Thursday before the fight the casino only has $90 mil. Then Friday morning the weekend of the fight the casino has to withdraw from the bank $70 million? Then return the extra on Monday morning for the slow days.
And every day they have to shuttle what MAY be needed back and forth via armored trucks? Exposing all those millions in transit.
Come on, ridiculous.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 15th, 2023 at 3:46:00 PM
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Slots machines just stopped working at Venetian/Palazzo, now requiring hand pays.
https://x.com/lasvegaslocally/status/1702812438176100375?s=46&t=YzY5S35GIt5OOF8vvdFyAA
https://x.com/lasvegaslocally/status/1702812438176100375?s=46&t=YzY5S35GIt5OOF8vvdFyAA
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
September 15th, 2023 at 4:47:15 PM
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Quote: darkozQuote: DieterQuote: MukkeQuote: DRichQuote: darkoz
That in reality casinos keep very little cash on hand. Most of their cash is in the bank.
I would disagree with it, but obviously "very little cash" is very subjective. I would doubt if there is a major casino on the strip with less than $10 million cash on hand.
link to original post
See this article that actually covers this for real
https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/casino-cash-reserves/
It mentions a spreadsheet. I didn't take time to find the spreadsheet at this time, but I do remember playing around with it in the past (that memory is what lead me to look for an article like this).
The bottom line is - Yes, they need to have a lot of money on hand. No, they don't need to have infinite money on hand :)
link to original post
It's been a while for me too, but I seem to recall something about being able to cover the biggest jackpot on the floor, if it were hit.
I believe cash on hand is usually more than that, so that the house doesn't need to stop all play to avoid running afoul of the minimum cash requirements if the big jackpot does get hit.
link to original post
Yes that was part of the commentary discussion. They would just write a check if they couldn't cover in cash.
In the commentary the screenwriter said the casinos kept the bulk in the bank for the usual reasons. They get interest if it's kept in the bank as opposed to on the casino floor.
If you took that plot point seriously then every casino owned by MGM on a fight night across the country would need some huge amount on the grounds? MGM has what 28 properties across the US?
$160 million times 28? Not collecting interest in a bank?
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I think it wouldn't be that much.
The $160M(ish) was the combined on hand for 3 premier location casinos that were hosting the fight, or $54M(ish) each.
I expect the Beau Rivage in Biloxi can run a little lighter.
May the cards fall in your favor.
September 15th, 2023 at 5:31:36 PM
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Withdraw on Friday? Nah. Just dont deposit for a few days. Let the hold build up.Quote: darkoz... So Thursday before the fight the casino only has $90 mil. Then Friday morning the weekend of the fight the casino has to withdraw from the bank $70 million? Then return the extra on Monday morning for the slow days
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On a related note, Binions famously claimed that their million dollar photo display was real money, and was counted towards their minimum cash on hand.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
September 16th, 2023 at 10:20:15 AM
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It seems that one of the lessons is to not have current information on their database.
Can you ask CZR if your personal info has been compromised? You should be able to.
Can you ask CZR if your personal info has been compromised? You should be able to.
September 17th, 2023 at 11:52:35 AM
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Quote: LandoIt seems that one of the lessons is to not have current information on their database.
Can you ask CZR if your personal info has been compromised? You should be able to.
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We dont play Caesars any more, but we are definitely in their database.
If we got a data breach letter it would be our THIRD in the last 6 months: one from Commonwealth Health, one from Pension Benefit Information (holding it in my hand right now, actually), and then CZR would be #3. I have free credit reports, monitoring, and blocks (which are free anyhow) for the next 4 years right now (2 from CHS, 2 from PBI).
The MGM thing sucks, we are due at Borgata next weekend. The free play, rewards, and comps are the reason we go there. I made reservations at Hard Rock just in case it isnt cleared up by Wednesday, which doesnt look at all likely.
A falling knife has no handle.
September 17th, 2023 at 12:04:42 PM
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Quote: rxwineI forget who was one of the infamous early hackers, but I remember reading that he got much of his inside hacks from the weak human factor. Tricking someone, in other words for a password.
Seems like it shouldn't be that hard to assign a security pass that can't be easily transferred. Everyone uses a two-part authentication where one is a physical on-site key.
Say someone impersonating the big boss calls in and gets an employee to release partial info? The big boss should still have to enter a special code from home on his phone or computer to use the on-site access. The employee can only do half; the person impersonating the boss on the other end has to have the right personal info as well.
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Kevin Mitnick. Fascinating story, theres a book about him, The Fugitive Game. Its a good read.
A falling knife has no handle.
September 17th, 2023 at 2:50:26 PM
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Quote: MoscaQuote: rxwineI forget who was one of the infamous early hackers, but I remember reading that he got much of his inside hacks from the weak human factor. Tricking someone, in other words for a password.
Seems like it shouldn't be that hard to assign a security pass that can't be easily transferred. Everyone uses a two-part authentication where one is a physical on-site key.
Say someone impersonating the big boss calls in and gets an employee to release partial info? The big boss should still have to enter a special code from home on his phone or computer to use the on-site access. The employee can only do half; the person impersonating the boss on the other end has to have the right personal info as well.
link to original post
Kevin Mitnick. Fascinating story, theres a book about him, The Fugitive Game. Its a good read.
link to original post
He has actually authored a few books that are pretty good.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
September 17th, 2023 at 4:15:26 PM
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I envy people that like reading books.Quote: DRichQuote: MoscaQuote: rxwineI forget who was one of the infamous early hackers, but I remember reading that he got much of his inside hacks from the weak human factor. Tricking someone, in other words for a password.
link to original post
Kevin Mitnick. Fascinating story, theres a book about him, The Fugitive Game. Its a good read.
link to original post
He has actually authored a few books that are pretty good.
link to original post
I just can't do it unless it was required by school or work
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
September 17th, 2023 at 7:28:01 PM
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Quote: 100xOddsI envy people that like reading books.
I just can't do it unless it was required by school or work
link to original post
Have you tried giving audio books a try? Especially if you frequently drive or run or do some other menial task for 20 minutes or more. Even cleaning is a great opportunity.
I used to read books when I was younger, but then I got busy with life and never really had the time (read priorities) to sit down and read a book. For the longest time I dismissed audio books because I felt I had to READ it for it to really stick.
Eventually I caved and decided to give it a chance. So happy I did. I now actually feel PRODUCTIVE and accomplished when I drive for an hour somewhere - because I have an opportunity to "read" without getting distracted or otherwise tempted to do other stuff.
September 17th, 2023 at 11:21:57 PM
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Quote: MukkeQuote: 100xOddsI envy people that like reading books.
I just can't do it unless it was required by school or work
link to original post
Have you tried giving audio books a try? Especially if you frequently drive or run or do some other menial task for 20 minutes or more. Even cleaning is a great opportunity.
I used to read books when I was younger, but then I got busy with life and never really had the time (read priorities) to sit down and read a book. For the longest time I dismissed audio books because I felt I had to READ it for it to really stick.
Eventually I caved and decided to give it a chance. So happy I did. I now actually feel PRODUCTIVE and accomplished when I drive for an hour somewhere - because I have an opportunity to "read" without getting distracted or otherwise tempted to do other stuff.
link to original post
Seconding this. I used to (optically) read a lot, but then life got in the way. I started with audiobooks about a year ago, and it really filled the intellectual void of my drivetime.
The library sponsored apps like Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy make it easy.
I've got an audiobook going on my commute to rehab workouts, during workouts (when everyone else is watching game show reruns), and then after when I'm doing errands on the way home.
Philosophy is just as thought provoking, and trashy sci-fi is just as trashy. (I do find myself twiddling the playback speed based on intellectual weight.)
I'm not above listening to old time radio dramas or the storybook lady at the library, either.
May the cards fall in your favor.
September 18th, 2023 at 4:14:13 AM
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Quote: DieterQuote: MukkeQuote: 100xOddsI envy people that like reading books.
I just can't do it unless it was required by school or work
link to original post
Have you tried giving audio books a try? Especially if you frequently drive or run or do some other menial task for 20 minutes or more. Even cleaning is a great opportunity.
I used to read books when I was younger, but then I got busy with life and never really had the time (read priorities) to sit down and read a book. For the longest time I dismissed audio books because I felt I had to READ it for it to really stick.
Eventually I caved and decided to give it a chance. So happy I did. I now actually feel PRODUCTIVE and accomplished when I drive for an hour somewhere - because I have an opportunity to "read" without getting distracted or otherwise tempted to do other stuff.
link to original post
Seconding this. I used to (optically) read a lot, but then life got in the way. I started with audiobooks about a year ago, and it really filled the intellectual void of my drivetime.
The library sponsored apps like Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy make it easy.
I've got an audiobook going on my commute to rehab workouts, during workouts (when everyone else is watching game show reruns), and then after when I'm doing errands on the way home.
Philosophy is just as thought provoking, and trashy sci-fi is just as trashy. (I do find myself twiddling the playback speed based on intellectual weight.)
I'm not above listening to old time radio dramas or the storybook lady at the library, either.
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Of course there is always my solution.
I read a novel while letting the bus driver take me where I have to go.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 18th, 2023 at 5:15:52 AM
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Quote: darkozQuote: DieterQuote: MukkeQuote: 100xOddsI envy people that like reading books.
I just can't do it unless it was required by school or work
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Have you tried giving audio books a try? Especially if you frequently drive or run or do some other menial task for 20 minutes or more. Even cleaning is a great opportunity.
I used to read books when I was younger, but then I got busy with life and never really had the time (read priorities) to sit down and read a book. For the longest time I dismissed audio books because I felt I had to READ it for it to really stick.
Eventually I caved and decided to give it a chance. So happy I did. I now actually feel PRODUCTIVE and accomplished when I drive for an hour somewhere - because I have an opportunity to "read" without getting distracted or otherwise tempted to do other stuff.
link to original post
Seconding this. I used to (optically) read a lot, but then life got in the way. I started with audiobooks about a year ago, and it really filled the intellectual void of my drivetime.
The library sponsored apps like Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy make it easy.
I've got an audiobook going on my commute to rehab workouts, during workouts (when everyone else is watching game show reruns), and then after when I'm doing errands on the way home.
Philosophy is just as thought provoking, and trashy sci-fi is just as trashy. (I do find myself twiddling the playback speed based on intellectual weight.)
I'm not above listening to old time radio dramas or the storybook lady at the library, either.
link to original post
Of course there is always my solution.
I read a novel while letting the bus driver take me where I have to go.
link to original post
Some people can manage this; some need their eyes not busy to watch for transfer stops (in city) or to look out the window to keep from getting carsick (intercity).
May the cards fall in your favor.
September 18th, 2023 at 5:26:01 AM
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Yeah i tried audio books once.Quote: MukkeQuote: 100xOddsI envy people that like reading books.
I just can't do it unless it was required by school or work
link to original post
Have you tried giving audio books a try? Especially if you frequently drive or run or do some other menial task for 20 minutes or more. Even cleaning is a great opportunity.
I used to read books when I was younger, but then I got busy with life and never really had the time (read priorities) to sit down and read a book. For the longest time I dismissed audio books because I felt I had to READ it for it to really stick.
Eventually I caved and decided to give it a chance. So happy I did. I now actually feel PRODUCTIVE and accomplished when I drive for an hour somewhere - because I have an opportunity to "read" without getting distracted or otherwise tempted to do other stuff.
link to original post
Pre-covid, Got a poker audio book. (Free amazon trial)
After i was done, only remember 1 thing:
If i flop a boat, check. Let others catch up.
Canceled my subscription before they started charging me.
Try again?
Is there a free source of audio books?
Craps is paradise (Pair of dice).
Lets hear it for the SpeedCount Mathletes :)
September 18th, 2023 at 5:29:59 AM
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Quote: 100xOddsYeah i tried audio books once.Quote: MukkeQuote: 100xOddsI envy people that like reading books.
I just can't do it unless it was required by school or work
link to original post
Have you tried giving audio books a try? Especially if you frequently drive or run or do some other menial task for 20 minutes or more. Even cleaning is a great opportunity.
I used to read books when I was younger, but then I got busy with life and never really had the time (read priorities) to sit down and read a book. For the longest time I dismissed audio books because I felt I had to READ it for it to really stick.
Eventually I caved and decided to give it a chance. So happy I did. I now actually feel PRODUCTIVE and accomplished when I drive for an hour somewhere - because I have an opportunity to "read" without getting distracted or otherwise tempted to do other stuff.
link to original post
Pre-covid, Got a poker audio book. (Free amazon trial)
After i was done, only remember 1 thing:
If i flop a boat, check. Let others catch up.
Canceled my subscription before they started charging me.
Try again?
Is there a free source of audio books?
link to original post
While thats not terrible poker advice, it would be terrible if you did the same thing every time you flop a boat.
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
September 18th, 2023 at 5:51:36 AM
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I do most of my reading on an airplane or beach. I might read two or three books a year while at home but in general I get distracted with the internet. I am one of those people that when i start something I hate to quit or take a break. Most books i will read in one day because I won't go to sleep until I finish it.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
September 18th, 2023 at 6:22:25 AM
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I dont think my BetMGM account was interrupted at all. So this hack didnt affect online MGM?
September 18th, 2023 at 6:40:46 AM
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Quote: SOOPOOI dont think my BetMGM account was interrupted at all. So this hack didnt affect online MGM?
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No purely B&M hack
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 18th, 2023 at 6:49:42 AM
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Quote: 100xOdds
Try again?
Is there a free source of audio books?
link to original post
Trimmed!
If you have a library card, ask about library apps.
Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla.
I typically get a 2 week checkout, which is usually enough to listen to (ear-read) the whole thing.
(If you don't have a library card, get one, then see above.)
Which library card you have changes which audiobooks you can check out. Many apps support multiple simultaneous library cards.
Project Gutenberg has some audiobooks, but they might not be what you want.
May the cards fall in your favor.
September 18th, 2023 at 6:49:55 AM
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I have been playing at two online MGM properties every day since the hack. I have also made several large withdrawals and everything seems okay.Quote: SOOPOOI dont think my BetMGM account was interrupted at all. So this hack didnt affect online MGM?
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Gambling is a math contest where the score is tracked in dollars. Try not to get a negative score.
September 18th, 2023 at 8:47:51 AM
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Quote: 100xOddsYeah i tried audio books once.
Pre-covid, Got a poker audio book. (Free amazon trial)
After i was done, only remember 1 thing:
If i flop a boat, check. Let others catch up.
Canceled my subscription before they started charging me.
Try again?
Is there a free source of audio books?
link to original post
Yeah this is essentially what my fear was when I first thought about trying audio books. My solution was to ease into it. Pick a type of book you're interested in, but where it's not important that you "learn" from it or "catch absolutely every single nuance".
Especially for a Poker strategy book, I think you will want to reflect on what you "read" along the way, so I'm not even sure audiobook is a good medium for a seasoned listener.
So yes, my suggestion is to try again, but start with a fiction (if at all interested) or something else where lighter attention is OK. but obviously still something you're interested in so you don't get bored immediately.
I don't have experience with libraries for audio books, but plenty of advice along those lines here. Personally I still think Audible is reasonably priced. You can probably get another trial now.
September 18th, 2023 at 11:10:12 AM
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It looks like there is no end to the MGM troubles.
It used to be 9/13-9/17.
It used to be 9/13-9/17.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
September 19th, 2023 at 7:19:34 AM
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Very scary article about how the hackers work and what they claim they did to MGM.
They claim to still have access although limited. But enough to consistently deploy new attacks as MGM attempts to do repairs. I believe that's the gist of it
That would explain what is taking so damn long for MGM to finish repairs.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/mgm-casinos-esxi-servers-allegedly-encrypted-in-ransomware-attack/amp/
They claim to still have access although limited. But enough to consistently deploy new attacks as MGM attempts to do repairs. I believe that's the gist of it
That would explain what is taking so damn long for MGM to finish repairs.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/mgm-casinos-esxi-servers-allegedly-encrypted-in-ransomware-attack/amp/
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
September 19th, 2023 at 7:24:38 AM
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Quote: darkozVery scary article about how the hackers work and what they claim they did to MGM.
They claim to still have access although limited. But enough to consistently deploy new attacks as MGM attempts to do repairs. I believe that's the gist of it
That would explain what is taking so damn long for MGM to finish repairs.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/mgm-casinos-esxi-servers-allegedly-encrypted-in-ransomware-attack/amp/
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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Benjamin Franklin
Sanitized for Your Protection
September 19th, 2023 at 9:06:46 AM
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There is conflicting information in the media and the official MGM FAQ is kind of vague. It would be nice to get a first hand account of whats going on. Is TITO 100% down? Working sometimes? Working on some machines but not others? Can you charge food and stuff to the room? Are they able to rate table game play? How is check in? How are lines at the rewards desk? Any improvement in the last few days?
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things."
-- Isaac Newton
September 19th, 2023 at 10:35:40 AM
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Caesars can't even keep their Kiosks operating on a normal day. I am not surprised that they insta shipped 15 million. Their operations seem very... budget... If MGM manages to defend against this, I will be very impressed.
75,000 employees and millions of pieces of hardware means millions of potential attack points. It is very hard to keep everything secure. Attack teams look and probe every potential path. A few years ago, one of the Vegas casinos was hacked and the hackers got in via a network connected fish tank thermometer. Imagine trying to keep all these things locked down, updating and replacing hardware and software as vulnerabilities are found over time. It only sounds easy after the fact.
/news/innovations/wp/2017/07/21/how-a-fish-tank-helped-hack-a-casino/
75,000 employees and millions of pieces of hardware means millions of potential attack points. It is very hard to keep everything secure. Attack teams look and probe every potential path. A few years ago, one of the Vegas casinos was hacked and the hackers got in via a network connected fish tank thermometer. Imagine trying to keep all these things locked down, updating and replacing hardware and software as vulnerabilities are found over time. It only sounds easy after the fact.
/news/innovations/wp/2017/07/21/how-a-fish-tank-helped-hack-a-casino/
September 19th, 2023 at 11:09:33 AM
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Quote: JimRockfordThere is conflicting information in the media and the official MGM FAQ is kind of vague. It would be nice to get a first hand account of whats going on. Is TITO 100% down? Working sometimes? Working on some machines but not others? Can you charge food and stuff to the room? Are they able to rate table game play? How is check in? How are lines at the rewards desk? Any improvement in the last few days?
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Different properties are having different issues but the one consistent issue is all kiosks and freeplay rewards are frozen.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
