Cybercriminals Swipe Employee Files in Boyd Gaming Security Incident

The company reported that intruders gained access to Boyd’s internal IT systems and extracted sensitive informationImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Boyd Gaming Corporation, a major player in the US casino industry, revealed this week that hackers broke into its systems and stole employee data and other personal information. The company, based in Las Vegas, confirmed the attack in a document filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)on Tuesday night.

Boyd Gaming Confirms Data Theft but Expects No Major Financial Impact

The company’s statement explained that an unauthorized grouphad broken into Boyd’s internal IT systems and made off with sensitive data. While Boyddid not give details about how much or what kind of information was stolen, it did say that the hackers got their hands on employee details and records linked to a small number of other people.

Company officials stressed that the attack did not disrupt daily casino operations. Boydruns 28 gaming venues across 10 states, including 11 sites in the Las Vegas Valley, and has over 16,000 employees nationwide. The company made almost $3.9 billion in revenue last year.

Boydsaid it took quick action after discovering the breach. It brought in outside cybersecurity expertsand alerted federal law enforcement agencies. The company is now notifying affected individuals. It will also inform regulators, as federal and state rules require.

To control expenses related to the response, Boydpointed out that it has a full cybersecurity insurancepolicythat should cover investigation costs, possible legal claims, and regulatory penalties. At this point, the company does not expect the incident to have a significant impact on its financial results.

Boyd Cyber Incident Adds to Growing List of Attacks on Gaming Sector

The announcement comes as cybersecuritythreats against Nevada’s gaming industry keep growing. Just last year, casino giants MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment fell victim to disruptive ransomware attacks that caught national attention. 

Experts in the industry point out that casinos are becoming prime targets for hackers. These criminals are after more than just money.

They are also looking to get their hands on the personal and operational data stored in casino systems. This year, International Game Technology, a big player in gambling tech, also reported a cyber attack that knocked parts of its network offline.

Boyd Gamingdid not share any more information beyond what they filed with the SEC. Company spokespeople said that their public statement covers everything they can say right now. Nevadaitself is just getting back on its feet after a ransomware attack messed up state government services.