A significant cyber incident struck French grocery retailers when hackers compromised refrigeration management software, causing hundreds of supermarket freezers and refrigerators to overheat overnight. The attack targeted systems provided by Danish engineering company Danfoss, which enables retailers to monitor and control cold storage units remotely.
According to reports from affected chains, refrigeration units heated to approximately 50 degrees Celsius for extended periods, far exceeding the normal defrosting cycles that supermarket equipment undergoes. Multiple retailers including Coopérative U, Intermarché, Netto, Carrefour, Monoprix, and E.Leclerc reported compromised systems. Coopérative U stated that more than 100 of its locations were targeted, while Intermarché and Netto combined reported around 280 affected stores, with an additional 100 establishments disconnected from internet connections as a precautionary measure.
Danfoss indicated that the compromised cold units represented older equipment models lacking current security updates to address previously identified vulnerabilities. The company stated it had long recommended businesses maintain current system versions. In response to the incident, store managers discovered significant damage upon arrival Monday morning, with some locations experiencing small fires. Retailers discarded affected food products to ensure consumer safety.
Financial losses appear substantial, with two supermarkets in the Alsace region reporting combined losses of €270,000. Based on reports from individual chains, approximately 400 stores experienced disruptions from the estimated 15,000 supermarkets operating across France. French authorities launched a dedicated cyber-crime investigation into the attack, with prosecutors characterizing it as large-scale and affecting multiple major retail chains.
European Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen issued a statement condemning the incident and emphasizing the importance of food security oversight. Affected retailers committed to restocking shelves while working with refrigeration specialists to restore operations.
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