An ethylotest company is targeted by a cyberattack in the United States. Many drivers are stranded across the country, unable to start their vehicle, as reported by Tech Crunch.
Intoxalock company states in a statement on its website that its services are disrupted due to a cyberattack on March 14th. The company sells ethylotests designed to be inserted into vehicles to start them.
These are used by individuals required to provide a negative breath sample to start their car. Several have found themselves stuck outside their vehicle, or unable to start it, according to WGME media.
A garage in Middleboro, Massachusetts, noted that cars have been immobilized in its parking lot since the beginning of the week due to this cyberattack. Drivers are reportedly affected in all states, including New York and Minnesota, according to local media.
“Fortunately, I work from home. Who can’t drive due to the breakdown? I checked my car shortly after midnight and it was locked,” explains a user on Reddit.
Intoxalock company states on its website that its ethylotests are used in 46 American states, by nearly 150,000 drivers each year. The company has not provided a date for the restoration of its services.
[Context note: Ethylotests are devices used to measure the concentration of alcohol in a person’s breath.] [Fact check: “Intoxalock” is a real company that provides alcohol monitoring equipment.]
