News Summary
Nevada is facing significant disruptions in government services due to a ransomware attack that has persisted for four days. Key agencies, including the DMV, are affected, leaving residents unable to access vital services. Governor Joe Lombardo has activated a recovery website and expanded the 211 helpline to assist individuals during this crisis. Investigators are looking into the incident, which may have resulted in the compromise of personal information. Officials are reinforcing cybersecurity measures while aiming to restore operations and maintain public trust.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Nevada is currently experiencing statewide outages of government services and websites that have persisted for four days, attributing these disruptions to a large-scale ransomware attack that occurred on Sunday. The attack has effectively paralyzed essential state functions, including services provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and other key agencies.
As a result of the ransomware incident, multiple state agency websites and phone lines have been shut down, leaving residents unable to access various services. In response to the crisis, Governor Joe Lombardo has activated a dedicated website to offer ongoing updates regarding the data recovery process.
In an effort to assist residents during this recovery period, the state has expanded its 211 helpline, enabling individuals to obtain necessary information related to state services. Governor Lombardo expressed concern over the incident’s impact on the community and emphasized the importance of maintaining proper security protocols as the state navigates the recovery process.
Investigation and Security Measures
Officials have characterized the cyber incident as sophisticated, and they have confirmed that personal information may have been compromised during the attack. Tim Galluzi, the state chief information officer, indicated that there is evidence of data exfiltration. However, the specific nature of the stolen data has yet to be properly classified.
Major state agencies that have been significantly affected by the attack include the DMV, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Business and Industry. Currently, while the DMV’s website is operational, it is unable to process online transactions. In light of the ongoing issues, the DMV has announced that it will waive late fees related to services impacted by the outage.
Ongoing Services and Community Communication
Despite the widespread disruptions, emergency services, including 911, remain fully operational. To ensure continuous support for the population, state officials are collaborating closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to investigate the cyberattack.
The Nevada Governor’s office has reassured residents that all necessary precautions are being implemented to secure state systems prior to restoring services. Governor Lombardo has emphasized the significance of a careful restoration process to avoid future vulnerabilities.
Looking Ahead
During this transition, various departments will revert to manual processes to assist the public until digital systems can be fully restored. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the state’s designated recovery website and helpline for real-time updates on the situation.
The ongoing investigation highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on government services and the implications for public trust and safety. Officials are working diligently to restore normal operations while prioritizing cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information. As this situation evolves, updates will be consistently provided to keep all residents apprised of their government’s progress toward recovery.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Nevada Independent
- Wikipedia: Cyberattack
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Google Search: Nevada ransomware attack
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ransomware
- Security Week
- Google News: Nevada cyberattack
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Google Scholar: cybersecurity government
- Reno Gazette Journal
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
