What happened
A cyber attack targeted the refrigeration systems in hundreds of French supermarkets, causing significant damage to fresh and frozen food. The hackers gained control of the temperature regulation software, forcing some units to warm up to 50C overnight. This resulted in the spoilage of food estimated to be worth millions of euros.
The attack affected several major food retailers, including Coopérative U, Intermarché, Carrefour, Monoprix, and E.Leclerc. The targeted software, provided by Danish engineering firm Danfoss, allows retailers to manage their cold units remotely. However, the affected units were older models whose security software could not be updated to prevent the attack.
According to reports, around 500 stores were affected out of approximately 15,000 in France. The retailers have taken measures to remove the spoiled food from sale and are working to restock the shelves as soon as possible. French prosecutors have opened a cyber-crime investigation into the incident, which has been condemned by European Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen as a threat to food security.
