Cyberattack Strands Drivers Nationwide
A recent cyberattack on Intoxalock, a U.S. company that provides vehicle breathalyzer devices, has left numerous drivers across the country unable to start their cars. The incident has sparked significant concern among customers who rely on these devices to comply with alcohol consumption monitoring regulations.
Intoxalock Confirms Cyber Incident
On March 14, Intoxalock announced on its website that it was “currently experiencing downtime” due to a cyberattack. The company specializes in breathalyzer devices that integrate into vehicle ignition systems, requiring users to provide a negative breath alcohol sample before starting their vehicles.
Temporary System Shutdowns Implemented
Spokesperson Rachael Larson disclosed to TechCrunch that the company had taken precautionary measures to temporarily pause some systems following the attack. This disruption is particularly impactful, as regular calibration of the breathalyzer devices is necessary for functionality, and the cyber incident has hindered the company’s ability to perform these essential calibrations.
Customer Experiences Lockouts
Drivers have taken to social media platforms, including Reddit, to express their frustrations about being unable to start their vehicles. Users report being effectively locked out of their cars when their devices miss required calibrations, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Widespread Impact Across Multiple States
Reports from various news outlets indicate that the impact of the cyberattack extends from New York to Minnesota. In many locations, drivers have been stranded, unable to operate their vehicles due to the malfunctioning breathalyzer systems, which cannot be calibrated in a timely manner.
Unclear Details Regarding the Attack
Intoxalock has not disclosed specifics about the nature of the cyberattack, including whether it involves ransomware or data breaches, nor has it confirmed if any ransom demands were made. The company serves customers in 46 states and claims to manage around 150,000 driver interactions annually, making the scale of this disruption particularly concerning.
No Estimated Recovery Timeline Provided
As the situation develops, Intoxalock has not offered an estimated timeline for recovery, leaving both drivers and industry observers uncertain about when normal operations will resume. This incident raises broader questions about the security of critical technology used for alcohol monitoring in vehicles.