Cyberattack Disrupts Refrigeration at Hundreds of French Supermarkets
A cyberattack disrupted refrigeration at hundreds of supermarkets in France. The attack happened overnight from October 11 to 12.
Refrigerators heated to 122°F, causing food to spoil. Major French supermarket chains said Monday they were hit by the attack.
Carrefour, Monoprix, E.Leclerc and Coopérative U were among the affected retailers. The retailer Les Mousquetaires reported around 300 affected stores.
Stores had to throw away spoiled fresh and frozen food. Reports said nationwide losses could reach tens of millions of euros.
Another report said losses could be several million euros. The attack also sparked fires at French supermarkets.
The spoilage raised concerns about food security. French authorities opened an investigation.
France's cybersecurity agency was asked to look into it. Reports linked the attack to refrigeration controls from Danfoss.
Many affected systems were outdated or no longer supported. Hackers reportedly made defrost cycles last longer and delayed alarms.
Key Terms 4
- food security Having enough safe food for people to eat.
- cybersecurity agency A government group that protects computer and internet systems.
- defrost cycles Short times when a fridge warms up to melt ice.
- Danfoss A Danish company that makes refrigeration equipment.