A recent cyberattack on Intoxalock, a U.S. company specialising in vehicle breathalyser devices, has left many drivers unable to start their cars. The incident occurred on March 14, causing the company to announce on its website that they are currently experiencing system downtime.
Intoxalock’s breathalyser devices are installed in ignition systems, requiring users to provide breath samples to start their vehicles. Following the attack, Intoxalock spokesperson Rachael Larson confirmed that the company had to temporarily suspend some of its systems as a precautionary response. This has significantly hampered their ability to perform essential calibrations on these devices.
Users whose breathalyser units are overdue for calibration are facing delays and, in some cases, are completely locked out of driving their vehicles. Social media platforms such as Reddit have seen numerous complaints from affected drivers, highlighting that missed calibrations could prevent their cars from starting entirely.
Reports indicate that the fallout from the cyberattack stretches across the nation, with drivers in states from New York to Minnesota reporting issues. For example, a car servicing shop in Middleboro, Massachusetts, noted that numerous vehicles have been left unable to move due to the ongoing situation.
While Intoxalock has not disclosed the nature of the cyberattack—whether it involved ransomware, data breaches, or communications with potential hackers—it does cater to approximately 150,000 drivers across 46 states each year. As of now, the company has not provided any insights regarding when systems might be restored or when affected users can expect resolution to their driving impairments.
Fanpage:Â TechArena.au
Watch more about AI – Artificial Intelligence
