DMV Shut Down, Agencies Offline: Nevada Struggles After Weekend Cyber Attack

Nevada officials are preparing to update the public on the massive cyber attack that crippled state government systems over the weekend—a failure that highlights just how unprepared our state bureaucracy has become in the face of modern threats. The briefing, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Carson City, will feature state and federal officials, from Governor Lombardo’s team to the FBI.

According to the governor’s office, the attack was first detected Sunday morning, but the state was slow to assure residents about the scope of the problem. By Tuesday night, the governor confirmed it was a cyber attack under active state and federal investigation. Officials say there’s no evidence that personally identifiable information has been compromised, though many Nevadans remain skeptical given how many state agencies were paralyzed.

Websites and mainframes for major departments—including public safety, health and human services, and corrections—were offline, forcing closures of in-person services on both Monday and Tuesday. The DMV, a lifeline for residents, announced it would remain closed until further notice, canceling appointments and waiving fees while leaving frustrated Nevadans scrambling. Other smaller agencies, from pharmacy oversight to funeral services, were also impacted.

The incident underscores a larger issue: government systems are bloated with bureaucracy but lack the resilience to withstand attacks. While Nevada’s leadership has been quick to line up a press conference with a long list of officials and federal partners, residents are still left without basic services. At a time when families and businesses already struggle with inflation, housing costs, and high taxes, being unable to access routine state functions only adds to the frustration.

This event is a wake-up call. Nevada can’t afford to let its government be run on outdated systems that collapse at the first sign of a cyber threat. Accountability and modernization—not more excuses—are what taxpayers deserve. As Governor Lombardo and his team step to the podium, Nevadans will be watching closely to see if this is just more government lip service or the beginning of real reform.

Source: Governor’s Office / State of Nevada