Nevada Firearms Background Checks Resume After Cyberattack Disruption
CARSON CITY, NV – Nevada’s firearms background check system is fully operational again as of 8 a.m. today,state officials announced,following a nearly three-week disruption caused by a statewide cyber incident. The restoration of the Brady Firearms Unit system marks a significant step in the state’s recovery from the widespread attack that impacted numerous public-facing services.
The outage, stemming from a cyberattack discovered last month, halted background checks required for firearm purchases, creating uncertainty for both dealers and potential buyers. While the system is now online, officials caution that processing times may be slower than usual due to an anticipated backlog of submissions. Licensed firearms dealers can utilize the electronic portal for background check requests, and phone support lines are also available for those without portal access. Dealers are encouraged to prioritize the online system to manage call volume.
According to the Governor’s Technology Office and the Nevada Department of Public safety’s State Police Division, the restoration includes both the online portal and phone support. Ninety percent of Nevada’s public-facing state websites are now back online, Governor Joe Lombardo stated Friday, with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state’s public notice website fully restored.
Lombardo, during a news conference, confirmed the progress in recovering from the cyberattack.The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical state infrastructure to cyber threats and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Officials have not released details regarding the nature of the cyberattack or the extent of data compromised, but investigations are ongoing.
