After hackers hit an Iowa company, cars around the country failed to start

Ars Technica
March 23, 2026
4 views
1 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Hackers breached an Iowa ignition interlock company, leaving thousands of DUI-convicted drivers unable to start their cars nationwide.

How This Affects You

If you use an Intoxalock device, you cannot start your vehicle even after passing the alcohol test, preventing you from driving to work, appointments, or emergencies during the breach.

AI Summary

Hackers breached Intoxalock, a Des Moines-based company that manufactures ignition interlock devices required for drivers convicted of DUI in many states, causing vehicles equipped with the devices to fail to start across the country. Intoxalock's devices, which cost drivers $70–$120 monthly to lease and measure breath alcohol levels before allowing engine ignition, are among the most widely used systems for this purpose. The breach disrupted access to vehicles for an unknown number of monitored drivers nationwide, preventing them from starting cars even if they passed the alcohol test.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Flights, petrol cars and cruise ships: Amsterdam bans fossil fuel ads
Environment

Flights, petrol cars and cruise ships: Amsterdam bans fossil fuel ads

Cities around the world are clearing their billboards of ads for flights, cruise ships and petrol cars in an effort to reduce planet-warming gases. Amsterdam is the latest city to join the movement, becoming the first capital in the world to approve a legal ban on fossil fuel advertising. Dutch activists are now calling for restrictions to be enforced on a national level. Our Down to Earth team reports.

AFP / France 24Mar 20
Tesla faces wider probe of self-driving feature as it prepares to sell cars without steering wheels - AP News
Technology

Tesla faces wider probe of self-driving feature as it prepares to sell cars without steering wheels - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimAFBVV95cUxPUHdqSXMwcGhESWNsb3Y0TVpzbjdpdnhrTlR5aUd1ZEtEUnpQdWZndkxuVFZHdDBfMklKZ1dHZW5vbDNZN2tSZXAxR0ZIU3NzaHZsa2JpY2pGTGVMM3lFZ1RSWk92V1FPUjdkazJPNFd3UFRncTlIdDVkdE9OY0ZhTE9HYXBrNUZFVkNJWGNheFFqbFBCM1RJTQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Tesla faces wider probe of self-driving feature as it prepares to sell cars without steering wheels</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 19
White House releases Trump's national AI plan and framework
Technology

White House releases Trump's national AI plan and framework

<p>The Trump administration on Friday <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03.20.26-National-Policy-Framework-for-Artificial-Intelligence-Legislative-Recommendations.pdf" target="_blank">released</a> its legislative recommendations on AI, urging Congress to preempt state AI laws and take a light-touch approach to regulations.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> The four-page framework calls on lawmakers to limit the ability of states to set their own rules for the technology, setting up a renewed clash with states and Congress over the future of AI regulation.</p><hr><p><strong>What they're saying:</strong> "Congress should preempt state AI laws that impose undue burdens to ensure a minimally burdensome national standard consistent with these recommendations, not fifty discordant ones," the framework states.</p><p><strong>What's inside:</strong> The proposal calls on Congress to:</p><ul><li>Address the use of AI replicas that simulate someone's likeness ...

AxiosMar 20
WATCH: 'Sinners' soundtrack's surge after the Oscars
Technology

WATCH: 'Sinners' soundtrack's surge after the Oscars

The performance of the Oscar-nominated music from the hit movie helped the soundtrack soar on streaming services.

ABC NewsMar 17
White House's use of internet memes to promote Iran war sparks criticism
Politics

White House's use of internet memes to promote Iran war sparks criticism

From video game clips to cartoon characters to blockbuster movie scenes, the Trump administration's Iran messaging has embraced a style critics say blurs the line between propaganda and entertainment and risks reducing a real war to spectacle. White House correspondent Liz Landers reports.

PBS NewsHourMar 19
Florida homeowners insurance company accused of siphoning profits
Corporate

Florida homeowners insurance company accused of siphoning profits

As Florida moves homeowners' policies out of its state-run insurer of last resort, insiders question one new company's finances.

CBS NewsMar 20
Read Next
Here are Elon Musk's "most epic" goals for his vast Terafab chip plant
Technology

Here are Elon Musk's "most epic" goals for his vast Terafab chip plant

Elon Musk unveiled plans for a massive chip manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, that he said will power his "galactic" aspirations.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources