The Nevada Gaming Control Board's public-facing website has fallen victim to a cyber attack, rendering it offline for several days.
In a social media post, the agency confirmed that the attack was targeted at the public-facing websites of both the control board and the Nevada Gaming Commission, the entities overseeing the state's gaming industry.
According to reports, the affected website includes information such as agency meeting agendas, gaming regulations, press releases, public statistics, contact details and biographies of board and commission members.
However, gaming licence details and financial records were stored on a separate internal state agency system, safeguarding them from the cyber attack.
Chairman Kirk Hendrick declined to comment on the incident. The Board, in a statement posted on social media, said: “Technology personnel initiated immediate steps to protect the website by taking it offline. The board is working with experts to thoroughly assess the situation. While working to restore the full website, the board is preparing to publish a temporary website for those seeking access to information.”
It's reported that the cyber attack did not affect other state agencies and they continue to operate normally. The Nevada Gaming Commission's monthly meeting proceeded as scheduled, with no mention of the incident.
This event follows the high-profile cyber attacks on Nevada's major casino operators, MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, last September. Those attacks resulted in significant financial losses and reputational damage.
Notably, last June, Nevada lawmakers approved funds for the Nevada Gaming Control Board to upgrade its information technology system, a move aimed at replacing the outdated system from the 1980s. The system, distinct from the website, plays a role in running board functions.
