Hack on Intoxalock Disables Ignition Devices Nationwide
Stock image. (Getty/AndreyPopov)
A highly unusual cyberattack disrupted drivers nationwide this month, preventing vehicles from starting due to compromised DUI ignition-lock devices. The incident targeted Intoxalock, an Iowa-based company that ranks among the largest providers of these devices in the United States, according to reports from Ars Technica. The exact number of affected vehicles remains unknown, but the issue first emerged on March 14 and was not fully resolved until Sunday, WGME of Maine reported.
“It’s been really chaotic dealing with this,” said the owner of an automotive center in Middleboro, Massachusetts, in an interview with WCVB. “I feel bad for the drivers, but there wasn’t anything we could do at the time.”
Drivers who use these devices are required to have them recalibrated approximately once a month at local service centers. The hack made these essential recalibrations impossible. In response, Intoxalock temporarily allowed some garages to issue 10-day calibration extensions. However, this solution did not work for every device model or in every state. The company also committed to covering extra costs such as towing fees.
Although the hack has been resolved, affected users have taken to Reddit’s r/intoxalock to voice their frustration, with some hinting at potential legal action.
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