A Simple Phone Call Led to Massive Damage
Picture this: A teenager picks up his phone. He calls MGM’s help desk. He pretends to be an employee who lost his password. Ten minutes later, he has access to the entire casino system. That’s exactly what happened in 2023. And it cost MGM $100 million.
Las Vegas police just arrested the teen suspected of this massive cyberattack. He turned himself in on September 17 and is now facing serious charges. The attack wasn’t just against MGM. Caesars Entertainment also got hit between August and October 2023.
How a Kid Outsmarted Million-Dollar Security Systems
The method was shockingly simple. Someone allegedly found an MGM Grand employee on LinkedIn and impersonated them, calling the company IT department to ask for a password reset. Once the reset was granted, the hacker reportedly had access to MGM’s internal systems “in 10 minutes.”
Think about that for a moment. All those fancy security systems. All that expensive technology. And a teenager defeated it with a phone call.
The attack shut down slot machines, hotel check-in systems, and even delayed employees’ paychecks. Hotel guests couldn’t get into their rooms. The casino floor went dark.
This Isn’t Just About One Kid
The teenager is allegedly connected to a cybercrime gang called “Scattered Spider.” At least seven other suspected members were arrested last year. But here’s what should worry every conservative: Authorities estimate that this group may have as many as 1,000 members.
Scattered Spider is mostly made up of teens and young adults believed to live in the United States and the United Kingdom. These aren’t foreign enemies attacking from overseas. These are kids in our own backyard.
According to the Department of Justice, victims paid at least $115 million in ransom payments to this group. That’s $115 million taken from American businesses and given to criminals.
Government Agencies Are Playing Catch-Up
The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently released updated warnings about Scattered Spider, saying the group continues to unleash cyberattacks using new techniques.
But here’s the problem. The group has recently expanded to target retailers, insurers, and airlines in multiple countries. They’re not slowing down. They’re speeding up.
In January 2025, hackers even broke into the U.S. Courts system, accessing accounts belonging to a federal magistrate judge. If they can hack our court system, what can’t they hack?
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This case shows everything wrong with our current approach to cybersecurity. We’re throwing money at the problem without addressing the root causes.
First, we have a generation of young Americans turning to cybercrime instead of productive work. The group consists largely of English-speaking young men, including many teenagers. Why are American kids choosing crime over careers?
Second, our government agencies are always one step behind. Although authorities believed they had neutralized Scattered Spider after arrests in November 2024, the group launched new attacks in April 2025. The arrests didn’t stop them. They regrouped and came back stronger.
Third, businesses are paying millions in ransom instead of investing in proper security. Caesars Entertainment paid a ransom of $15 million to Scattered Spider, half their original demand of $30 million. This just encourages more attacks.
What Critics Are Saying
Some cybersecurity experts argue that these attacks are unstoppable. They say social engineering will always work because humans are the weakest link.
Others blame the companies for not having better security training. They point out that a simple phone call shouldn’t be able to bypass millions of dollars in security systems.
But both sides miss the bigger picture. We need to address why young Americans are choosing cybercrime in the first place.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Federal prosecutors say this one group committed at least 120 computer network intrusions. MGM reportedly lost $100 million and roughly 10 days of system outages. Recent attacks in the UK alone cost an estimated 440 million British pounds.
These aren’t small-time scams. This is organized crime on a massive scale. And it’s being run by teenagers.
What’s Coming Next
Government warnings show that Scattered Spider is now using new ransomware variants and targeting different industries. Since June, the group has shifted to target major insurance companies, airlines and other transportation companies.
The Clark County District Attorney’s Office is seeking to charge the arrested teen as an adult. This could set an important precedent. If we start treating teen cybercriminals like the serious criminals they are, maybe others will think twice.
What Conservatives Can Do
First, demand that law enforcement treat cybercrime as seriously as other major crimes. No more slaps on the wrist for teen hackers who cost businesses millions.
Second, support businesses that invest in proper security training instead of just paying ransoms. Every ransom payment encourages more attacks.
Third, ask hard questions about why American kids are turning to cybercrime. What’s happening in our schools and communities that’s pushing young people toward crime instead of careers?
Fourth, demand that government agencies get ahead of these threats instead of always playing catch-up. We need prevention, not just reaction.
The Bottom Line
A teenager with a phone brought down casino operations across Las Vegas. If that doesn’t wake us up to the cybersecurity threat facing America, nothing will.
We can’t keep throwing money at this problem while ignoring the root causes. We need accountability, consequences, and a serious commitment to stopping cybercrime before it happens.
The next attack is already being planned. The question is: Will we be ready?
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
