The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is facing backlash from MGM Resorts International as the casino giant seeks to block a probe into a recent cyberattack on its systems. The FTC launched an investigation into the cyberattack, which occurred in July and exposed the personal information of thousands of MGM customers. The company has accused the FTC of overstepping its bounds and infringing on its constitutional rights.
The cyberattack on MGM’s systems was a massive breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 10.6 million guests, including names, contact information, and dates of birth. The breach also exposed sensitive financial information, such as credit card numbers and expiration dates. The attack was believed to have been carried out by a sophisticated group of hackers using advanced techniques to gain unauthorized access to MGM’s database.
The FTC launched an investigation into the cyberattack, citing concerns about the security measures in place at MGM and the company’s response to the breach. The agency has the authority to investigate and penalize companies for failing to adequately protect consumer information under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
MGM has pushed back against the FTC’s investigation, arguing that the agency does not have the authority to investigate cybersecurity incidents and that its actions violate the company’s due process rights. In a statement, MGM stated that it has cooperated fully with law enforcement and regulatory agencies in response to the cyberattack and that it has taken steps to enhance its security measures.
The FTC has defended its investigation, stating that it has the authority to investigate data security incidents under the FTC Act and that it is important to hold companies accountable for failing to protect consumer information. The agency is seeking access to MGM’s internal documents and communication related to the cyberattack in order to determine whether the company’s security measures were adequate.
The outcome of the standoff between MGM and the FTC remains uncertain, but the issue highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the digital age. Companies are facing an increasing number of cyber threats and must take proactive measures to protect consumer information. The FTC’s investigation into the MGM cyberattack serves as a reminder that companies can face significant legal and financial consequences for failing to adequately safeguard sensitive data.