The maker of the software used by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles to conduct mandatory emissions testing says the service — disabled since March 30 due to a malware attack — will be restored “no later than April 30.”
In a statement released Tuesday, officials with Wisconsin-based Applus Technologies said the program it administers in Connecticut is “complex and different from” the one used by Massachusetts, where emissions testing has already restarted, and will take more time to fix.
“We recognize the inconvenience this service interruption has caused for motorists, new and used car dealers and the network of privately-owned automotive service facilities who perform the inspections and the Department of Motor Vehicles,” said CEO Darrin Greene. “If we can confidently restore service sooner, we will.”
According to Applus, the company detected a cyberattack on March 30, which interrupted motor vehicle inspections and emissions testing in Connecticut and seven other states. In response, the firm locked down its entire system and has since been working to bring each state-based program back online.
The shutdown has hampered business at some auto repair and car servicing companies, which conduct emissions testing for the DMV and usually benefit from the increased customer traffic.
Applus said it is working closely with the Department of Motor Vehicles to implement “work arounds” for those affected by the service outage, including free retests, a waiver of late fees, new registrations and renewals with delayed emissions compliance requirements, and cooperation with law enforcement in cases where motorists have been cited for expired emissions tests.
Applus officials said they do not believe any personal data linked to Connecticut motorists was compromised in the malware attack but are working with computer forensic experts to determine if any of that information could have been put at risk.
