Class-action lawsuit filed against Iowa ignition interlock maker

Lawsuit alleges widespread product failure after cyberattack on Intoxalock

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of an ignition interlock device's keypad and display, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the impact of a cybersecurity breach on this essential automotive technology.A cyberattack on an ignition interlock device maker has left thousands of users unable to legally operate their vehicles.Worth Today

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against an Iowa-based company that makes ignition interlock devices, alleging widespread product failure triggered by a recent cyberattack. The lawsuit claims the attack disabled critical infrastructure, leaving countless users unable to use their vehicles for over a week.

Why it matters

Ignition interlock devices are a crucial part of remedial programs for people convicted of drunk driving, allowing them to continue driving in an electronically monitored fashion. This lawsuit raises concerns about the security and reliability of these mandatory devices, which many rely on to maintain their driving privileges.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by Derrick Curry of Worth, Illinois, against Consumer Safety Technology, which does business as Intoxalock. Curry alleges that on March 16, 2026, he received an email from Intoxalock stating it was experiencing a 'cybersecurity event.' Soon after, his Intoxalock device stopped working, causing his car to suddenly shut off while he was driving. Curry was then unable to use his vehicle for several days, leading to him missing work and eventually being fired.

  • On March 14, 2026, cybercriminals allegedly attacked Intoxalock's systems.
  • On March 16, 2026, Curry received an email from Intoxalock about the 'cybersecurity event'.
  • On March 16, 2026, Curry's Intoxalock device stopped working, causing his car to shut off while driving.
  • On March 17, 2026, Curry's Intoxalock device remained nonfunctional, causing him to miss a day of work.
  • On March 18, 2026, with the device still not working, Curry was fired from his job.

The players

Derrick Curry

A resident of Worth, Illinois, who is a participant in Illinois' Monitoring Device Driving Permit program and uses an Intoxalock device on his car.

Consumer Safety Technology

An Urbandale, Iowa-based corporation that does business as Intoxalock, a leading manufacturer of ignition interlock devices.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Aside from the alleged data theft, 'countless users were unable to use their vehicles for over a week, as the outage disabled countless Intoxalocks across the United States'”

— Derrick Curry, Plaintiff

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant class-action status to the lawsuit, which could allow thousands of Intoxalock users to join the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity for companies that provide mandatory devices for people with criminal convictions, as a breach can have significant impacts on their ability to maintain their driving privileges and livelihoods.