28th August 2025 Cyber Update: Nevada Government Systems Crippled by Cyberattack

The Update: A cyberattack first identified on Sunday has caused a widespread shutdown of Nevada's state government systems. The attack has forced the closure of all Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices until further notice and disrupted numerous other public services. State websites and phone lines are intermittently unavailable, and thousands of state employees have been sent home.

Governor Joe Lombardo's office confirmed the incident is a cyberattack and has launched a criminal investigation with assistance from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. While there is currently no evidence that personal data has been compromised, the state is focused on safely restoring systems. A press conference with state and federal officials is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 PM PDT, to provide further updates on the ongoing situation. The Governor's Technology Office has not disclosed the technical details of the attack, citing state law protecting sensitive security information.

Why it Matters: This attack on a state government highlights the vulnerability of critical public infrastructure. The shutdown of the DMV and other essential services directly impacts citizens' ability to conduct necessary business, from renewing licenses to accessing social services. The incident also underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks against government entities, which can have far-reaching consequences beyond data theft.

As Aditya Sood, VP of security engineering at Aryaka, commented, "Cyberattacks on state systems can have destabilizing impacts, extending beyond temporary service disruptions. When government services are forced offline, the consequences can include halted economic activity, delayed emergency responses, and compromised citizen safety."

The attack serves as a stark reminder of the potential for cyber incidents to disrupt daily life and erode public trust.