The cyberattack on Nevada's public websites has seen significant recovery efforts, with Governor Joe Lombardo announcing that 90% of the sites are now operational, yet key systems like the state's background check for firearm sales remain hindered, as reported by News 3 LV. The breach, which left gun stores such as Discount Firearms and Ammo unable to complete sales, has persisted long enough to cause considerable disruption, with gun buyers unable to obtain their purchases and some seeking refunds after a three-week wait.
In the details shared by Governor Lombardo, it was noted that Nevada, a point-of-contact state for firearm background checks, is handling these checks on a state level using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), bypassing the FBI's services, a decision made years ago when the Brady system went live, said Discount Firearms and Ammo's General Manager Zach Wilcox in an interview obtained by News 3 LV. That choice now underlines the current predicament as the federal investigation into the attack impacts the ability to legally sell firearms within the state.
While other services like the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have seen a complete return to operation, according to Hoodline, the state's background check system's downtime continues to prompt concerns over firearm sales' legality. Governor Lombardo reiterated at a press briefing, "We won't be able to determine their criminal history or their ability to purchase a gun or own a gun through the federal guidelines, so until that does happen, a proper sale of a firearm cannot occur," as noted by News 3 LV.
Recovery measures have included a statewide password reset and increased vigilance against phishing attempts; these efforts likely contributed to the defense of "approximately 150 million hits to our state firewalls," Lombardo stated, as obtained by Hoodline. Although the brunt of the attack has been weathered and the majority of services restored, the hang-up with the Brady background check system looms significantly over firearms dealers and buyers alike, with expectations cautiously set for the coming week to see operations potentially restored and the backlog addressed.
