The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced on Wednesday that it is responding to a cyberattack that has temporarily halted a portion of its operations, including all vehicle emissions testing at DEQ Clean Air Stations throughout the state.
According to the agency, the cyberattack has impacted its computer systems, causing disruptions significant enough to force a temporary shutdown of key services. Most notably, vehicle emissions inspections—a requirement for vehicle registration in certain parts of Oregon—have been suspended until further notice. These inspections are typically performed at DEQ Clean Air Stations located across the Portland metropolitan area, Medford, and parts of the Willamette Valley.
The DEQ stated that it is working closely with state cybersecurity experts and third-party investigators to identify the nature and extent of the breach. No specific details about the source or type of attack have been released at this time, and it is currently unclear whether any personal data or sensitive information has been compromised.
In a press release, DEQ officials emphasized that the safety and security of data remain a top priority. “Our focus is on restoring our systems safely and effectively, and we are doing everything possible to resume normal operations as soon as we can,” the agency said.
The Department is urging Oregonians who are due for vehicle inspections to remain patient and check the DEQ website for updates on when services will be restored. The agency is also coordinating with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to address the impact on vehicle registration processes, which are directly tied to emissions compliance in some regions.
As part of an interim solution, DEQ is advising vehicle owners to delay testing until the system is operational again. While registration renewals may be temporarily affected, ODOT has not yet announced whether it will extend deadlines or waive penalties for late renewals caused by the outage.
Cybersecurity incidents targeting public infrastructure have been on the rise nationwide in recent years, impacting everything from hospitals to transportation systems. Experts warn that state agencies, which often operate with aging infrastructure and limited IT resources, can be particularly vulnerable to such attacks.
This is not the first time a state agency in Oregon has experienced cybersecurity issues. In recent years, agencies such as the Department of Human Services and the Employment Department have also dealt with breaches or cyber-related disruptions, prompting increased attention to the state’s digital defenses.
The DEQ has not provided a timeline for when vehicle inspection services will resume but assures the public that updates will be communicated as the situation develops.
Until further notice, the public is encouraged to monitor the DEQ’s official channels for announcements and to avoid visiting Clean Air Stations, as they remain temporarily closed due to the ongoing investigation and system recovery efforts.
