Cyberattack Disrupts Refrigeration at About 700 French Supermarkets

The attack reportedly affected about 700 of France’s 10,000 supermarkets. It disrupted refrigeration controls rather than being described as a direct compromise of food-production systems, and some store websites serving customers in Europe and the United States were also shut down. [1]

The refrigeration units were reportedly forced into defrost mode, raising their temperature to about 50°C, or 122°F. Employees noticed the problem after approximately six hours, by which point fresh produce, dairy, meat and frozen products had spoiled. [1]

The reported losses were estimated at millions of euros. The account does not identify the contractor responsible for the compromised refrigeration systems, explain how the attackers entered them or identify who carried out the attack. [1]

Roland Lescure, France’s finance minister, told Parliament that there was no immediate threat to the country’s food supply. He nevertheless described the disruption as affecting the heart of food security, distinguishing national supply from damage at individual stores. [1]

An investigation was underway into the breach and those responsible. Authorities were also reviewing supermarket cybersecurity measures and considering protocols intended to protect essential systems from future attacks. [1]