Nevada’s Firearms Background Check System Restored After Cyberattack
Nevada’s Firearms Background Check System Restored After Cyberattack
Las Vegas, NV — A critical component of Nevada’s firearms purchase process is back online after a three-week hiatus due to a cyberattack that targeted state systems. The Brady Firearms Unit, responsible for conducting background checks, resumed operations at 8 a.m. on Sunday, according to a joint announcement from the Governor’s Technology Office and the Nevada Department of Public Safety State Police Division.
Governor Joe Lombardo expressed relief at the restoration of the system, stating, “I’m pleased to announce access to the Brady Firearms Unit was successfully restored this morning. I’m grateful to the Governor’s Technology Office and Department of Public Safety who worked 24/7 to restore access to this essential public safety service.”
The cyberattack, identified as a ransomware incident, was first detected on August 24, leading to the shutdown of numerous state websites and computer systems. As officials scrambled to restore functionality, they emphasized the importance of ensuring that malicious actors could no longer access sensitive information.
With the Brady Firearms Unit back in action, licensed dealers can now submit background checks electronically through the federal firearms license portal. The unit’s phone lines have also been restored, although callers not using the portal may experience longer wait times due to increased call volumes.
To expedite the processing of background checks, unit staff are working extended hours. However, officials cautioned that some applications may still take longer than usual to process as they work to clear the backlog created by the cyberattack.
The disruption had significant implications for federally licensed firearms dealers, who are required to conduct background checks on customers before completing sales. Additionally, businesses that utilize these checks for new hires faced delays in onboarding processes.
As Nevada moves forward, state officials remain vigilant in safeguarding against future cyber threats while ensuring that public safety remains a top priority.
For further updates, contact Arlette Yousif at ayousif@reviewjournal.com and follow her on Instagram at @arletteyousif.
