Drivers in Massachusetts are finding themselves unable to start their vehicles due to a cybersecurity breach affecting Intoxalock, a company specializing in in-vehicle breathalyzer devices. The issue, first reported on Saturday, impacts individuals required to employ the devices, often as a condition of probation following a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction.
Intoxalock devices require drivers to provide a breath sample before a vehicle can be started. If the breath alcohol content exceeds 0.02%, the car remains immobilized. The company, based in Iowa, has advised affected drivers to contact roadside assistance or arrange for a tow, promising reimbursement for towing expenses once the system is restored, according to a statement released Tuesday.
The cybersecurity incident is causing significant disruption for those reliant on the devices. Tina Ward of Canastota, New York, who has an Intoxalock device installed following a 2010 DUI conviction, is now unable to attend scheduled doctor’s appointments, as reported by CNY Central. New York State law mandates the use of ignition interlock devices for individuals with prior DUI convictions.
Recognizing the inconvenience, Intoxalock is offering a 10-day extension on required recalibration dates for devices nearing their scheduled maintenance window. Recalibration is typically required every 30 to 120 days. Drivers can complete the extension at any of Intoxalock’s over 100 service centers throughout Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Services was notified of the “cybersecurity event” on Tuesday and is monitoring the situation. As of Wednesday evening, the duration of the outage and the extent of the breach remain unclear. Intoxalock has not yet provided a timeline for full system restoration.
Approximately 150,000 people across the United States utilize ignition interlock devices like Intoxalock, according to Norcal Interlock. The company is a leading provider of these devices in Massachusetts, with installation locations in cities ranging from Boston to Salem.
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