Operator News
US – Menominee Casino Resort confirms it was closed down by a cyberattack
By Phil - 17 June 2021
Menominee Casino Resort has confirmed that its sudden closure last week was down to a cyberattack on the Wisconsin property.
Menominee officials said they were working with cybersecurity and forensic experts from the FBI to investigate and assess the impact of the ‘attempted external attack on our computer systems.’ The casino does not believe any secure information had been compromised.
Tribal Chairman Gunner Peters said the breach was ‘beyond significant, so we had to close.’
Casino officials have not yet confirmed whether the attack was followed by a ransom demand but Daniel Hansen, General Manager of Menominee Casino Resort said it was a definite attempt to shut down the casino with the financial impact expected to be ‘substantial.’
Mr. Hansen said: “We are currently experiencing technical difficulties due to an attempted external attack on our computer systems. We are actively working with law enforcement, cybersecurity and forensic experts to investigate and assess the impact caused by this attempt prior to bringing our systems back online.
“Included in our investigation and assessment is prioritizing the privacy of our guests and team members secure information. At this time, we do not believe any secure information has been compromised. If it is determined that the personal information of our guests or team members was exposed we will notify those affected individuals in writing,” he added. “We appreciate our guests and team members patience as we move forward quickly and cautiously to restore all operations at Menominee Casino Resort.”
Former Cisco CEO John Chambers said to Yahoo! Finance that ransomware attacks were becoming more prevalent with American companies likely to be targeted between 65,000 to 100,000 times in 2021 alone. The financial impact of each attack is pitched at around $170,000 to resolve.
