The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Casino Cybersecurity Under the Spotlight: Unveiling Lessons from the MGM Resorts Cyberattack by Henry “Hank” Johnson and Wesley Lopez.

In an era where cyber threats loom larger than ever, the casino industry finds itself at a crossroads of vulnerability and the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures. It’s with great anticipation that we announce a comprehensive presentation at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference, focusing on a critical analysis of the 2023 MGM Resorts cyberattack—a significant event that underscores the cybersecurity challenges facing the casino sector.

This presentation will delve into the structural vulnerabilities within MGM Resorts International’s information technology and cybersecurity systems, providing a detailed examination of how these weaknesses were exploited during the cyberattack. The incident, which stands as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of cyber threats, will be analyzed in terms of the nature of the breach, the data compromised, and the motives behind the attackers’ actions.

But the analysis goes beyond merely identifying problems. The presentation will offer a critical evaluation of the incident response strategy employed by MGM Resorts International during and after the cyberattack. By assessing its effectiveness and highlighting areas for improvement, the presentation aims to offer actionable recommendations for institutions across the industry to enhance their preparedness for future cyber threats.

What makes this presentation particularly valuable is the inclusion of firsthand insights from key personnel at MGM Resorts International who were directly involved in the incident response. Their experiences and challenges encountered during the cyberattack will provide a unique perspective on the realities of managing a cybersecurity crisis.

Additionally, the presentation will incorporate secondary data from publicly available reports, press releases, and documents related to the MGM cyberattack, ensuring a well-rounded and thoroughly researched analysis.

The significance of this presentation extends beyond the specifics of the MGM Resorts cyberattack. By shedding light on the broader implications for cybersecurity within the casino industry, it aims to foster a deeper understanding of the critical importance of security controls in mitigating cyber threats and the need for comprehensive enterprise contingency planning.

As we look forward to this enlightening presentation at the SAM International Business Conference, it’s clear that the insights and recommendations to be shared are not just timely but essential. For anyone involved in the casino industry, cybersecurity, or organizational risk management, this presentation will be an invaluable resource for navigating the complex landscape of cyber threats in today’s digital world.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a compelling and informative session that will contribute significantly to our collective efforts in improving cybersecurity and incident response mechanisms across industries.

Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.