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'Unprecedented' cyberattack targets refrigeration units at hundreds of French supermarkets
France 24 • • business
Key Points:
- Major French supermarket chains Intermarché, Coopérative U, and Carrefour experienced a cyberattack that remotely triggered the defrosting of their refrigeration systems, leading to significant food spoilage and financial losses.
- Approximately 150-200 Intermarché stores, nearly 100 Coopérative U outlets, and 80 Carrefour supermarkets were affected, with other chains like E. Leclerc and Monoprix also reportedly impacted.
- Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation into the large-scale cyberattack, which also caused fire outbreaks and disrupted the preservation of fresh and frozen products.
- Coopérative U’s CEO described the attack as "unprecedented" and emphasized the seriousness of targeting equipment essential for food supply, while efforts are underway to restore affected systems.
- The incident underscores growing concerns in France about cyber threats to critical infrastructure, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to order enhanced protective measures against potential Russian hybrid attacks.
