Hackers Broke Into an Iowa Company. Thousands of Cars Won’t Start.

A cyberattack on an Iowa-based ignition interlock provider left vehicle owners across the country unable to start their cars. The company manages alcohol detection systems installed in vehicles as part of DUI penalties. When hackers hit their systems, the interlocks locked down—and owners had no way to get them recalibrated in time.

Ignition interlocks require drivers to blow into a breathalyzer before the engine will turn over. They’re mandated for people convicted of drunk driving in many states. The devices need regular maintenance and calibration to stay legal and functional. Miss a calibration appointment, and the interlock essentially bricks your car.

The breach forced a cascade of failures. Owners couldn’t reach the company to schedule their required calibration sessions. Without proof of a completed appointment, their interlocks wouldn’t start. Some people were locked out of vehicles they depended on for work and daily life. The company had to notify customers and coordinate emergency calibrations with service centers to get people back on the road.

The incident highlights a dangerous dependency: critical vehicle systems tied to a single company’s network security. One breach ripples across state lines and affects thousands of people immediately.

Based on reporting from Ars Technica.