A widespread cyberattack has compromised the operations of numerous French supermarkets, resulting in the malfunction of refrigeration units and the subsequent spoilage of perishable goods. Estimated losses from the affected fresh and frozen foods are reportedly in the millions of euros.
Hackers compromised the temperature control software of cooling units, causing some to malfunction and heat up to 50 degrees Celsius overnight.
The chief executive of Cooperative U stated that several of its supermarkets had been targeted in a highly severe and unprecedented cyberattack.
Over 100 supermarkets from a specific chain were affected by the cyberattack, while an additional 180 stores of Intermarché and its Netto brand were also impacted. A company spokesperson stated that a further 100 stores were temporarily disconnected from the internet to prevent a similar incident from occurring.
Several prominent retail chains, including Carrefour, Monoprix and E.Leclerc, were impacted by the cyberattack, which specifically targeted software systems provided by Danfoss.
A new initiative enables retail businesses to monitor and control their refrigeration systems from a remote location, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Supermarket freezers typically experience a brief nightly temperature fluctuation, where the temperature rises slightly. However, in this instance, the attackers instructed the teams to maintain a higher temperature and keep the refrigerators and freezers at a warmer setting, although the exact extent of the temperature increase is unclear.
Danfoss stated that the compromised computers were outdated models, which were no longer capable of receiving security software updates to mitigate a known vulnerability.
In a recent statement, the company emphasized the importance of maintaining up-to-date compatible systems, a practice it has consistently recommended to its customers.
The company remains dedicated to ensuring the reliability of cooling systems that are crucial to its customers' operations, and continues to provide support to help them maintain these systems, which are known for their safety and dependability.
An estimated 400 stores in France were impacted by the attack, accounting for a small fraction of the country's approximately 15,000 retail locations.
French retailers Carrefour and Monoprix reported that their stores were targeted in a recent attack. Carrefour stated that approximately 80 of its 6,000 locations were affected, while Monoprix reported that around 5% of its more than 400 stores were impacted. In response to the incident, Monoprix has ceased the sale of perishable food items whose quality could not be ensured.
The Mousquetaires Group, owner of Intermarché and Netto, reported that certain fresh and frozen products remained unavailable as of Monday afternoon.
The stores have taken all necessary measures to remove the products from the affected units, and staff are working diligently to restock the shelves as soon as possible.
French retailer Intermarché reported that its refrigeration units experienced a critical failure, overheating to 50°C for a prolonged period of six hours on Sunday night. In response, the company immediately discarded all perishable items to prevent potential health hazards.
Several branches of multiple retail chains experienced disruptions this Monday morning, with managers arriving to find their freezers malfunctioning and emitting hot air. In some instances, the situation escalated to small fires.
A freezer located in an ice cream corridor at a French television broadcaster, BFMTV, was found to be operating at an unusually high temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius.
The supermarket chain reported combined losses of €270,000, or approximately $300,000, at two locations in the Alsace region, potentially increasing the total nationwide losses to millions of euros.
A special investigation into cybercrime has been launched by the French Public Prosecutor's Office. The inquiry focuses on a significant cyberattack targeting the refrigeration systems of several prominent supermarket chains in France.
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, strongly denounced an attack in a recent statement, emphasizing the need for increased focus on food security across all levels. He highlighted the alarming reality that food is already being used as a weapon in conflict situations.
Coopérative U's chief executive, Dominique Schelcher, stated that staff are working in close coordination with refrigeration specialists to rapidly restore the situation.
A probe into the incident has been requested, with the individual expressing strong disapproval of the attack, citing the critical role of the targeted equipment in ensuring France's food supply.
Individuals and organizations may be inquiring about potential impacts from a recent cyber attack.
The original article was written in English and translated using artificial intelligence technology, with a BBC reporter reviewing the content prior to publication for accuracy.
