Cyberattacks Hit 500+ French Supermarkets as Hackers Turn Freezers to 50°C

According to reports, the hackers targeted internet-connected refrigeration systems manufactured by a Danish company. The attacks caused the temperatures of refrigerators and freezers in more than 500 shops and supermarkets nationwide to rise to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

France’s cybersecurity agency has advised companies operating the affected freezer models to disconnect the equipment from the internet immediately, restrict access to the systems or install software updates to prevent further attacks.

Search Underway for Cyberattackers

It remains unclear who was behind the attacks, but authorities have launched an investigation into the incidents. Information available so far indicates that the hackers gained access to the refrigeration systems through the internet and raised the temperatures of refrigerators and freezers to 50 degrees Celsius during the night, when the stores were closed.

According to retailers, food worth millions of euros was spoiled as a result of the temperature increases. In some cases, the excessive heat reportedly caused fires or melted equipment, adding to the damage suffered by affected stores.

Major French Supermarket Chains Suffer Heavy Losses

Several major French supermarket groups, including E.Leclerc, Intermarché, Carrefour, Monoprix and Coopérative U, were affected by the cyberattacks.

At least 300 Intermarché stores, along with outlets operating under its Netto brand, were impacted. Coopérative U said more than 100 of its supermarkets had been targeted, while Carrefour reported that 80 supermarkets were affected.

Monoprix said approximately 5 per cent of its nearly 490 stores had been affected by the attacks.

The incidents have exposed the potential consequences of unauthorised access to internet-connected refrigeration infrastructure, with retailers facing significant food losses and equipment damage. Investigations into the attacks are ongoing, while France’s cybersecurity agency has urged operators of the affected systems to take immediate steps to secure their equipment.