Cyber-attack defrosts refrigerators in two French supermarket chains
French supermarket chains Intermarché and Cooperative U were targeted by a cyber-attack that remotely forced refrigeration systems to defrost. The incident has resulted in significant food waste and prompted an investigation by Paris prosecutors.
Why it matters
This attack demonstrates the vulnerability of critical food supply chain infrastructure to cyber-terrorism and remote digital sabotage.
Those branches that were affected would have to ‘throw away all of the products’ that are fresh and frozen, Intermarché said. Photograph: Virginie Lefour/BELGA MAG/AFP/Getty Images Those branches that were affected would have to ‘throw away all of the products’ that are fresh and frozen, Intermarché said. Photograph: Virginie Lefour/BELGA MAG/AFP/Getty Images France Cyber-attack defrosts refrigerators in two French supermarket chains An estimated 150-200 Intermarché shops were targeted, along with almost 100 Cooperative U outlets
Prefer the Guardian on Google French supermarket chains Intermarché and Cooperative U have been hit by an “unprecedented” cyber-attack that caused their refrigerators to defrost, the two retailers have said.
An estimated 150-200 Intermarché shops were targeted, along with almost 100 Cooperative U outlets, in the attack, they said on Monday.
Paris prosecutors confirmed the attack, which reportedly also hit other major chains, and said it had prompted outbreaks of fire.
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