Nevada’s Hilarious Ransomware Recovery: Paying Overtime, Not a Ransom!
Nevada’s ransomware saga unfolded like a tech thriller, with a trojanized tool, a persistent hacker, and a 28-day recovery marathon. Instead of paying ransom, the state shelled out $259,000 in overtime to restore systems. The report highlights transparency in cybersecurity incidents—something as rare as a unicorn!

Hot Take:
In a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Nevada manages to turn a ransomware nightmare into a masterclass in cyber resilience, all while refusing to pay the bad guys a single dime. Who knew the state known for its casinos would gamble on transparency and come out as a cybersecurity champion? Bravo, Nevada, for showing us that sometimes the best defense is a good offense… and a ton of overtime.
Key Points:
– Nevada fell victim to a ransomware attack via a trojanized admin tool downloaded by an unsuspecting employee.
– The attack disrupted over 60 state agencies but Nevada refused to pay the ransom.
– Over 4,000 overtime hours were logged by state employees to recover data and services.
– External vendor support costs exceeded $1.3 million, but the recovery saved nearly half a million compared to contractor rates.
– The incident highlighted Nevada’s commitment to transparency and the need for improved cybersecurity defenses.
