Supermarket Refrigerators Hacked: Tons of Food Wasted in Massive Cyberattack.

A significant cyberattack occurred on Monday, disrupting the operations of numerous supermarkets in France and resulting in the loss of substantial quantities of perishable and frozen goods due to malfunctioning refrigeration units.

Malicious actors gained unauthorized remote access to systems controlling commercial cooling systems, triggering prolonged unfreezing cycles. As a result, temperatures in affected establishments soared to as high as 50 °C (122 °F), prompting the removal and disposal of perishable goods to mitigate potential health hazards.

A significant cyberattack took place overnight from October 11 to 12, targeting multiple prominent French television networks. Intermarché has confirmed that its retail stores were impacted by the incident, with Coopérative U describing the attack as unprecedented.

Preliminary estimates suggest a substantial number of establishments were impacted, with initial reports indicating that between 150 and 200 Intermarché locations and approximately 100 Coopérative U stores experienced difficulties. Further investigation revealed additional issues at Carrefour, Monoprix, and E. Leclerc locations.

Preliminary investigations suggest that approximately 300 establishments of the Intermarché and Netto group, around 100 of Coopérative U, approximately 80 of Carrefour, and about 30 of Monoprix may have been impacted, with E.Leclerc locations also potentially affected. The ongoing research may result in adjustments to these figures.

The supermarkets' critical infrastructure was not the primary focus of the cyberattack. Instead, the hackers targeted the networked controllers that oversee the temperature control and monitoring systems for refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerated display cases. These systems enable remote temperature management, alert notifications, and automated freezing cycles.

Equipment affected by the issue employs technology developed by Danfoss, a Danish-based company renowned for its expertise in cooling and air-conditioning solutions.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the attackers manipulated the freezing protocols, increasing the temperature and in some instances, extending the duration of the process by several hours.

A malfunctioning refrigerator unit at an Intermarché store in Gradignan, a suburb near Bordeaux, France, reportedly reached a critical temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, resulting in estimated losses of approximately 21,000 euros in spoiled food.

The Paris prosecutor's office is investigating a potential connection between the recent attack and several other incidents involving equipment damage and small fires caused by overheating at various establishments.

The integrity of the cold chain is compromised when perishable items like meat, fish, dairy products, or frozen goods are left at an improper temperature for an extended period. In such cases, retailers are unable to restore these products to a safe temperature for resale.

Intermarché has confirmed that it has removed and discarded fresh and frozen products from the affected branches.

Preliminary estimates indicate significant volumes of discarded goods, with potential losses reportedly exceeding several million euros, although a precise total has yet to be determined.

Attention is shifting to Danfoss systems installed in retail stores, with the company highlighting that many of the affected units are outdated products nearing the end of their operational lifespan and no longer receiving software or security updates. Danfoss has consistently advised customers to either maintain their systems with the latest updates or replace outdated equipment to ensure optimal performance and security.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) issued a warning in 2025 regarding a critical vulnerability impacting specific Danfoss AK-SM 8xxA series drivers, characterized as high-gravity.

The exact entry point used in the Monday attack remains unverified, and further investigation is needed to confirm the role of the identified fault.

A probe has been launched by the Paris Prosecutor's Office to identify those accountable and assess the full scope of the damage.

At this time, no official rescue request has been made public, and no specific team has been designated to undertake the operation.

The episode serves as a cautionary note, highlighting a broader vulnerability in physical infrastructure beyond French supermarkets. This includes a growing reliance on internet-connected devices, such as air conditioning systems, industrial plants, and supply chains.

A recent computer intrusion had far-reaching consequences, resulting in malfunctioning equipment that overheated freezers, spoiled perishable food, and prompted hundreds of stores to recall affected products from their shelves.

Multiple major supermarket chains have recently fallen victim to a series of coordinated cyberattacks, resulting in significant disruptions to their operations. The incidents, which occurred in the past few weeks, have compromised sensitive customer and employee data, as well as impacted the companies' ability to process transactions and manage their supply chains.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, discovered a vulnerability in the software of certain smart home appliances, including refrigerators, allowing hackers to remotely access and control the devices. The security flaw was identified in a study published in 2013, which demonstrated how hackers could exploit the vulnerability to access and manipulate the appliances' functions. The researchers found that the issue stemmed from the use of default passwords and weak security measures in the devices' software. The study's findings highlighted the potential risks of connected devices and the need for manufacturers to prioritize robust security protocols in their products.

Food Waste Reduction Campaign Gains Momentum. In an effort to combat the staggering issue of food waste, a growing movement is urging people to intentionally discard edible food. This counterintuitive approach aims to raise awareness about the alarming statistics surrounding food waste, which is estimated to account for nearly one-third of all food produced globally. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately 1.3 billion metric tons of food are wasted annually, resulting in significant economic losses and environmental degradation. The organization also notes that if food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The campaign, which encourages people to "throw food," is not about promoting gluttony or wastefulness but rather about sparking a necessary conversation about the systemic issues contributing to food waste. By highlighting the absurdity of intentionally discarding food, the movement seeks to challenge societal norms and inspire change.

A previously unidentified security flaw was discovered in a software system, prompting an investigation into its potential impact on user data and system integrity.

French authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding a recent attack, with a focus on identifying those responsible for the incident.