Are your devices at risk? Experts warn ransomware attacks could surge as young hackers team up with Russian cybercriminals
- Replies 0
Online crime isn’t just about stolen passwords anymore.
Behind the scenes, a new kind of cyber threat is quietly gaining ground—and cybersecurity experts say it’s more organized, more aggressive, and more likely to affect the services we all depend on.
While it might sound like something out of a movie, recent attacks have disrupted major hotel chains, healthcare systems, and public infrastructure.
And the people behind them?
A growing alliance between young, English-speaking hackers from the US, UK, and Canada, and Russian cybercrime groups with decades of experience.
These criminals are working together in sophisticated ways, and even though you may not be a direct target, experts warn that the ripple effects could reach all of us—especially older Americans who rely on digital access for everyday tasks like healthcare, banking, and communication.
From Las Vegas casinos to pharmacies—what ransomware can really do
If you want a clear example of how real this threat is, just look at what happened on the Las Vegas Strip.
In September 2023, MGM Resorts—a giant behind hotels like MGM Grand, Aria, and the Bellagio—was hit by one of the most damaging ransomware attacks in US history.
Slot machines went dark, elevators stopped working, digital room keys failed, and guests were left stranded in hotel lobbies.
"Anything that required technology was not working," recalled Anthony Curtis, publisher of Las Vegas Advisor.
“The shutdown was starting to take effect… people were scrambling.”
The hackers, identified as members of the group Scattered Spider, demanded a $30 million ransom.
MGM refused to pay, but the attack still cost the company more than $100 million in revenue and recovery expenses.
Their rival, Caesars, reportedly paid $15 million to avoid similar chaos—quietly, and without public disruption.
Also read: Is your medical data safe? Millions may be at risk after major hospital cyberattack
How did it happen? A simple phone call.
Shockingly, the attack didn’t start with a technical breach—it began with social engineering, a tactic where hackers trick employees into giving up access.
In this case, they impersonated an MGM employee, called the help desk, and convinced them to reset a password using publicly available information from LinkedIn and the dark web.
Once inside, the hacker unleashed powerful malware provided by Russian gang BlackCat, one of the most notorious ransomware organizations operating today.
Also read: Are You Making This Dangerous Mistake? See If Your 4-Digit PIN Is Among the Top 10 Hacked!
The rise of "ransomware as a service"
What’s made this wave of attacks especially dangerous is how professional the criminal infrastructure has become.
Russian groups like BlackCat run their operations like businesses—offering malware, negotiation support, and money laundering services to newer groups like Scattered Spider.
This business model, known as “ransomware as a service,” means that younger hackers—some as young as 13 or 14—can now join sophisticated attacks without needing deep technical skills.
According to Jon DiMaggio, a former NSA analyst, “There are people that specialize in developing malware and ransomware, and they’re in very high demand.”
BlackCat even provides customer service portals, 24-hour support desks, and human resources to hire developers.
The scale of this crime wave has led the NSA and FBI to increase efforts to identify and dismantle these networks.
Also read: iPhone warning: A silent threat may already be on your device
Why older Americans should pay attention
You might think: “I’m not a casino or a tech company—why would hackers target me?”
The truth is, you don’t have to be the direct target to be affected.
These attacks have already disrupted pharmacies, hospital networks, utility services, and city governments.
Also read: 1.8 billion at risk: New email threat raises security concerns. Are you protected?
As FBI Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran explained, “It’s a problem for the global economy, and for the security of the United States.”
And these criminals are only getting bolder.
After several members of Scattered Spider were arrested last year, they quickly regrouped, and are now collaborating more closely with their Russian counterparts.
“It feels like we’re winning every battle and losing the war,” said Allison Nixon, a cybersecurity expert at Unit 221b.
What you can do to protect yourself and those around you
The good news is: you’re not powerless. Here are simple steps that can help reduce your risk and keep you better protected:
Whether or not you’re directly targeted, the truth is that cybercrime has become a shared problem.
From healthcare delays to service outages, the effects of these attacks can ripple through communities in unexpected ways.
But by staying alert and protecting your digital life, you’re helping keep those ripple effects from reaching further.
Read next: Hackers could be tracking you RIGHT NOW through your phone—protect yourself with these essential steps!
Have you or someone you know ever been affected by a cyberattack? What steps have you taken to stay safe online? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your experiences and tips!
Behind the scenes, a new kind of cyber threat is quietly gaining ground—and cybersecurity experts say it’s more organized, more aggressive, and more likely to affect the services we all depend on.
While it might sound like something out of a movie, recent attacks have disrupted major hotel chains, healthcare systems, and public infrastructure.
And the people behind them?
A growing alliance between young, English-speaking hackers from the US, UK, and Canada, and Russian cybercrime groups with decades of experience.
These criminals are working together in sophisticated ways, and even though you may not be a direct target, experts warn that the ripple effects could reach all of us—especially older Americans who rely on digital access for everyday tasks like healthcare, banking, and communication.
From Las Vegas casinos to pharmacies—what ransomware can really do
If you want a clear example of how real this threat is, just look at what happened on the Las Vegas Strip.
In September 2023, MGM Resorts—a giant behind hotels like MGM Grand, Aria, and the Bellagio—was hit by one of the most damaging ransomware attacks in US history.
Slot machines went dark, elevators stopped working, digital room keys failed, and guests were left stranded in hotel lobbies.
"Anything that required technology was not working," recalled Anthony Curtis, publisher of Las Vegas Advisor.
“The shutdown was starting to take effect… people were scrambling.”
The hackers, identified as members of the group Scattered Spider, demanded a $30 million ransom.
MGM refused to pay, but the attack still cost the company more than $100 million in revenue and recovery expenses.
Their rival, Caesars, reportedly paid $15 million to avoid similar chaos—quietly, and without public disruption.
Also read: Is your medical data safe? Millions may be at risk after major hospital cyberattack
How did it happen? A simple phone call.
Shockingly, the attack didn’t start with a technical breach—it began with social engineering, a tactic where hackers trick employees into giving up access.
In this case, they impersonated an MGM employee, called the help desk, and convinced them to reset a password using publicly available information from LinkedIn and the dark web.
Once inside, the hacker unleashed powerful malware provided by Russian gang BlackCat, one of the most notorious ransomware organizations operating today.
Also read: Are You Making This Dangerous Mistake? See If Your 4-Digit PIN Is Among the Top 10 Hacked!
The rise of "ransomware as a service"
What’s made this wave of attacks especially dangerous is how professional the criminal infrastructure has become.
Russian groups like BlackCat run their operations like businesses—offering malware, negotiation support, and money laundering services to newer groups like Scattered Spider.
This business model, known as “ransomware as a service,” means that younger hackers—some as young as 13 or 14—can now join sophisticated attacks without needing deep technical skills.
According to Jon DiMaggio, a former NSA analyst, “There are people that specialize in developing malware and ransomware, and they’re in very high demand.”
BlackCat even provides customer service portals, 24-hour support desks, and human resources to hire developers.
The scale of this crime wave has led the NSA and FBI to increase efforts to identify and dismantle these networks.
Also read: iPhone warning: A silent threat may already be on your device
Why older Americans should pay attention
You might think: “I’m not a casino or a tech company—why would hackers target me?”
The truth is, you don’t have to be the direct target to be affected.
These attacks have already disrupted pharmacies, hospital networks, utility services, and city governments.
Also read: 1.8 billion at risk: New email threat raises security concerns. Are you protected?
As FBI Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran explained, “It’s a problem for the global economy, and for the security of the United States.”
And these criminals are only getting bolder.
After several members of Scattered Spider were arrested last year, they quickly regrouped, and are now collaborating more closely with their Russian counterparts.
“It feels like we’re winning every battle and losing the war,” said Allison Nixon, a cybersecurity expert at Unit 221b.
What you can do to protect yourself and those around you
The good news is: you’re not powerless. Here are simple steps that can help reduce your risk and keep you better protected:
- Be cautious of suspicious emails or phone calls—especially those asking for passwords or personal info.
- Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager to stay organized.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for an extra layer of security.
- Keep your devices updated—software updates patch security holes.
- Back up important files regularly, just in case something gets compromised.
- Share this knowledge with friends and family—especially those who may be less tech-savvy.
Whether or not you’re directly targeted, the truth is that cybercrime has become a shared problem.
From healthcare delays to service outages, the effects of these attacks can ripple through communities in unexpected ways.
But by staying alert and protecting your digital life, you’re helping keep those ripple effects from reaching further.
Read next: Hackers could be tracking you RIGHT NOW through your phone—protect yourself with these essential steps!
Have you or someone you know ever been affected by a cyberattack? What steps have you taken to stay safe online? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your experiences and tips!
