Fridges in French supermarkets hit by cyber attack
Hackers breached internet-connected refrigeration systems across hundreds of supermarkets in France, remotely raising temperatures to as high as 122 F. The overnight cyber attack crippled store freezers, resulting in millions of euros in spoiled fresh and frozen food and triggering localized fires. Staff members arriving at work discovered ruined produce and pools of water beneath units. French authorities launched an investigation into the unprecedented incident, which also impacted store prices and delivery systems. Officials warned that the dangerous cyber threat may still be active across targeted facilities.
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- ✓ 700 facilities across France were targeted by hackers who cranked the temperature to as high as 122 F.
- ✓ Hundreds of French supermarkets were hit by a cyber attack that caused their fridges and freezers to heat up, spoiling fresh and frozen food estimated to be worth millions of euros.
- ✓ Hackers gained control of the software that regulates the temperatures of the refrigeration units, forcing some to warm overnight.
- ✓ The overnight hack sparked fires and left pools of water beneath freezers.
What changed
France's cyber authority contacted a Danish vendor and issued a three-step VPN fix as the threat persisted.
Live updates
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Hackers Target French Supermarket Fridges in Cyber Attack
Hackers breached internet-connected refrigeration systems across hundreds of supermarkets in France, remotely raising temperatures to as high as 122 F. The overnight cyber attack crippled store freezers, resulting in millions of euros in spoiled fresh and frozen food and triggering localized fires. Staff members arriving at work discovered ruined produce and pools of water beneath units. French authorities launched an investigation into the unprecedented incident, which also impacted store prices and delivery systems. Officials warned that the dangerous cyber threat may still be active across targeted facilities.
Why it matters
The incident exposes deep vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure connecting commercial food supply chains and automated building controls. Security agencies have stepped in as retail chains struggle to secure temperature-regulating software. The economic toll continues to mount as stores assess inventory damage from ruined stock.
What is confirmed
- 700 facilities across France were targeted by hackers who cranked the temperature to as high as 122 F.
- Hundreds of French supermarkets were hit by a cyber attack that caused their fridges and freezers to heat up, spoiling fresh and frozen food estimated to be worth millions of euros.
- Hackers gained control of the software that regulates the temperatures of the refrigeration units, forcing some to warm overnight.
- The overnight hack sparked fires and left pools of water beneath freezers.
Still unconfirmed
- The cyberattack also crippled supermarket fridges across Europe.
What to watch next
- Additional vendor security patches or identification of the threat actors.
- Official updates from French cyber authorities regarding ongoing risk levels.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (20)
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- Reuters — Hackers heat French supermarket fridges, sparking fires and spoiling food
- BBC — Fridges in French supermarkets hit by cyber attack
- CBS News — Hackers turn up the heat in refrigerators at hundreds of supermarkets in France, sparking fires and food losses
- Tom's Hardware — 'Unprecedented' Cyberattack cripples supermarket fridges across Europe as hackers activate automatic defrosting — delivery and store prices also impacted by incident
- Bloomberg.com — French Supermarket Refrigeration Sites Hit by Cyberattacks
- www.mirror.co.uk — Prince Harry and Meghan 'excited' ahead of first 'royal-style' engagement since UK return - The Mirror
- www.nbcnews.com — Who hacked French fridges? Supermarket cyberattack fuels frantic probe
- www.bbc.co.uk — Fridges in French supermarkets hit by cyber attack - BBC News
- www.bbc.co.uk — BBC News - Fridges in French Supermarkets Hit by Cyber Attack
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