BrianKrebs2d ago

ICYMI (from the not-all-cyber-news-is-horrible dept), a cyberattack on a U.S. vehicle breathalyzer company has left drivers across the United States stranded and unable to start their vehicles. This story positively cries out for a headline-writing contest. TechCrunch reports:

"The company, Intoxalock, says on its website that it is “currently experiencing downtime” after a cyberattack on March 14. Intoxalock sells breathalyzer devices that fit into vehicle ignition switches, and is used by people who are required to provide a negative alcohol breath sample to start their car."

https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/20/cyberattack-on-vehicle-breathalyzer-company-leaves-drivers-stranded-across-the-us/

Cyberattack on vehicle breathalyzer company leaves drivers stranded across the US | TechCrunch

A cyberattack on a U.S. car breathalyzer company has left drivers across the United States reportedly stranded and unable to start their vehicles.

TechCrunch
Show threadMatt Hall2d ago

@briankrebs

Silly question, I _know_... But why the hell would one of these need to communicate with the network?

If it's fitted to your vehicle it _won't_ start without a good test.

The point of control is _at the car_.

👀

AITA?

Show threadCarina C. Zona
@401matthall there are a lot of connected devices that don't need to be, but this is not one of them. If someone is on probation for DUI and required to prove they are sober before driving, then yeah a failed test needs to be transmitted to someone for followup. Presumably the probation officer.
Mar 23 at 7:43pmWeb
Show threadMatt Hall2d ago

@cczona

Eh, "bring your vehicle to your probation appointment and we've got a reader there" seems like a better solution than a cell-equipped device in my car that determines whether or not my car can start.

I agree about the monitoring and failed testing in general but... This could literally leave someone stranded. I dunno.

Show threadCarina C. Zona2d ago
@401matthall An attempt to drive drunk while on probation deserves to be greeted with immediate intervention. It's not just some incidental data point to pick up on a week later. The person's judgement is impaired and they have decided to again flout public safety. Someone needs to be notified promptly, before they figure out an alternative way to act on that recklessness.
Show threadmaco2d ago

@401matthall @cczona if they’re drunk and fail the test, leaving them stranded (pending a call to a taxi company) is in fact the expected and intended result.

Yes, in this case they’re being stranded regardless of BAC, but “they should never be stranded” is absolutely not the point of these devices.