Malware attack hits emission tests system

DMV says expired drivers won’t be cited during outage

Connecticut drivers were unable to get emission tests on their vehicles after a malware attack on the system used for the testing was reported this week, Applus Technologies, the company that runs the testing, said.

The company locked down the system when the issue was found Tuesday. It also notified the state Department of Motor Vehicles and the locations where the tests are performed.

“We truly understand the inconvenience this has caused our agency customer, inspection stations, inspectors and motorists,” Applus CEO Darrin Greene said, in a news release. “We take very seriously our responsibility to provide the highest quality, most reliable vehicle inspection and emissions testing services to the State of

Connecticut and pledge to have service restored as quickly as possible.”

During the outage, law enforcement will not cite vehicles with expired emissions tests, the DMVsaid.

Applus also said it is working with the DMV to provide a free retest policy and 60-day retest requirement.

It’s unknown when the system will be back in full operation.

“Due to the enhanced technology and

programming required to operate the program, it is imperative that weensureeverycomponentof the program is free from malware, thoroughly tested and operating normally before bringing the program back online,” Applus said

the release. “The testing process will involve all of our agencies as well as the station owners who ownandoperatethecomputerized workstation equipment used to performthe motorvehicle inspections.”

A prerecorded message at the Connecticut Emissions Program hotline Friday said: “We are currently experiencing a system outage. Ourtest centers are unable to conduct emissions tests today, andtomorrow, Saturday, April 3, in the state of Connecticut. ... Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Additional updatescanbefound at www.CTEmissions.com.