A major cybersecurity attack on the breathalyzer company Intoxalock has left thousands of drivers with previous DWI convictions unable to operate their vehicles. The security breach began on Saturday, preventing necessary system calibrations and leaving customers with little information or means of transportation.
The Intoxalock ignition interlock device is currently installed in approximately 150,000 vehicles across the United States. In states like New York, the law mandates that individuals with past DWI convictions must have these breathalyzers in their cars to ensure road safety. However, the recent cyberattack has disrupted the company's infrastructure, making it impossible for many users to perform the mandatory calibrations required every two months to keep their cars functional.
Tina Ward, a resident of Canastota who is required to use the device following a 2023 license renewal, is among those currently stranded. Despite her conviction occurring years ago, she remains legally bound to the interlock system until 2028. Because of the technical failure caused by the breach, she and many others are finding their vehicles locked out, regardless of their sobriety or compliance with the law.
The impact of this digital disruption extends into the daily lives and health of those affected, as the lockout prevents them from attending essential obligations. Ward, for instance, has been forced to miss planned medical appointments because her car will not start. The company has not yet provided a specific timeline for when the security event will be resolved or when the system will return to full functionality.
In response to the growing number of stranded motorists, Intoxalock has stated that they will reimburse customers for towing costs if a lockout occurs due to the breach. Meanwhile, state authorities are beginning to monitor the situation closely. The Department of Criminal Justice Services confirmed they were officially notified of the cybersecurity event on Tuesday as the company works to restore its systems.
Source: https://cnycentral.com/news/local/breathalyzer-company-under-security-breach-cars-unable-to-move