On Monday, major French supermarket chains reported a cyberattack impacting refrigeration units in several stores. The attack led to increased temperatures in refrigerators, resulting in spoiled food and raising food security concerns.
Retailers such as E. Leclerc, Intermarché, and Cooperative U confirmed they experienced an unprecedented cyberattack. The EU’s food and agriculture commissioner, Christophe Hansen, emphasized the need for more attention to food security after condemning the attack.
Over 300 Intermarché and Netto stores, more than 100 Cooperative U outlets, and several E. Leclerc stores were affected. Cooperative U CEO Dominique Schelcher highlighted the seriousness by stating, “Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products and to the food supply of the French people is of extreme gravity and is unprecedented.”
“Food security requires more attention at all levels,” said Christophe Hansen, highlighting the reality of such attacks.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the attack and reported that it may have caused fires. BNP TV suggested hackers remotely triggered the defrosting of refrigeration systems. Intermarché stated it would discard all affected fresh and frozen products.
Carrefour reported that 80 of its outlets faced attacks, though most of its 6,000 stores remained unaffected. E. Leclerc noted that a cyberattack involving one of its equipment suppliers led to systemic refrigeration issues across multiple locations.
The targeted refrigeration control systems belonged to Danish manufacturer Danfoss, which identified legacy products as being vulnerable. Danfoss had previously advised supermarkets to update these systems. The company did not specify the number of systems impacted.
Dutch supermarket operator Ahold Delhaize, active in the U.S., also encountered similar network security issues. Due to a cybersecurity incident, their app notified customers of delivery disruptions.
According to sources close to French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, France’s cybersecurity agency discovered a software vulnerability from a Danish supplier. Coordination with European counterparts is ongoing to prevent further spread and alert more French companies.
The Paris prosecutor confirmed an investigation into the “large-scale cyberattack” affecting several major food retail chains in France. This investigation aims to identify victims, link reported food losses, and address fire outbreaks.
Intermarché condemned the resultant food waste and financial repercussions without providing exact figures. BNP TV reported remote temperature alterations caused the destruction of numerous fresh and frozen product stocks.
This incident has raised concerns about hybrid attacks in Europe. President Emmanuel Macron recently initiated protective measures for France’s infrastructure against Russian-related threats. Such attacks highlight the interconnectedness of industrial equipment now vulnerable to cyber threats, according to Antoine Hautin of cybersecurity consultancy Almond.
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