West Midlands Police in the UK have announced the arrest of a teenager allegedly involved in the attack on MGM Resorts. That attack has been widely attributed to Scattered Spider, although the announcement does not specifically name the group:

Officers from our Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands (ROCUWM) joined officers from the National Crime Agency, in coordination with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to make the arrest at an address in the town on Thursday (July 18).

The suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of Blackmail and Computer Misuse Act offences and has been released on bail while we continue with our enquiries.

We also recovered evidence at the address including a number of digital devices which will undergo forensic examination.

One in five children found to engage in illegal activity online

In February, the U.K.’s National Crime Agency published a call to parents and teachers to help young people understand the implications and consequences of their online behavior:

The ask comes after a recent survey of children aged 10-16 showed that 20% engage in behaviours that violate the Computer Misuse Act, which criminalises unauthorised access to computer systems and data. The figure is higher for those who game, standing at 25%.

The consequences of committing Computer Misuse Act offences are serious. In addition to being arrested and potentially given a criminal record, those caught can have their phone or computer taken away from them, risk expulsion from school, and face limits on their internet use, career opportunities and international travel.

Many offenders participating in low level cyber crime are unaware that their actions are criminal, but can progress to participate in more complex, serious offending after a short period of time.