A recent cybersecurity incident involving Intoxalock, a prominent U.S. vehicle breathalyzer manufacturer, has left numerous drivers unable to start their vehicles. This disruption has affected individuals across the nation who rely on these devices to operate their cars.
On March 14, Intoxalock announced on its website that it was experiencing operational downtime due to a cyberattack. The company specializes in breathalyzer systems that integrate into vehicle ignition switches, which are essential for users mandated to submit a negative alcohol breath sample before driving.
According to spokesperson Rachael Larson, the company took precautionary measures by temporarily pausing some systems following the attack. This decision has hindered their ability to perform necessary calibrations on the breathalyzer devices, which are typically required every few months. As a result, customers whose devices are due for calibration may face challenges in starting their vehicles.
Drivers have voiced their frustrations on platforms like Reddit, reporting that failure to complete calibrations can result in being locked out of their cars. Local news sources from states like Maine indicate that many drivers have been unable to operate their vehicles, with some auto shops reporting a backlog of cars awaiting service due to this issue.
Reports indicate that the impact of the cyberattack spans from New York to Minnesota, with drivers across various states encountering difficulties due to the inability to calibrate their breathalyzers promptly. Intoxalock has not disclosed specifics about the nature of the cyberattack, such as whether it involved ransomware or a data breach, nor has it mentioned any communication from the perpetrators.
Intoxalock, which claims to service around 150,000 drivers annually across 46 states, has yet to provide a timeline for when operations will return to normal.