Cyber Attackers Defrost French Supermarket Freezers, Causing Millions in Losses
Hackers reprogrammed refrigeration systems to blow hot air, destroying vast quantities of perishable goods across hundreds of stores.
Hundreds of supermarkets across France have been targeted by cyber attackers who defrosted freezers, leading to estimated losses of several million euros. The motivation behind the overnight attack on Sunday remains unknown.
The hackers reprogrammed refrigeration systems to blow hot air at 50 degrees Celsius, causing internal temperatures to reach 36 degrees Celsius. This led to the destruction of significant quantities of fresh and frozen produce.
Coopérative U reported that approximately 100 of its supermarkets were affected. Intermarché stated that between 150 and 200 of its stores were impacted. E.Leclerc reported that a cyber attack affected one of its refrigeration equipment suppliers, enabling hackers to remotely trigger the forced defrosting of refrigeration systems in numerous stores.
Prosecutors have confirmed the incident and opened an investigation into the large-scale cyberattack. The probe aims to identify victims and establish the link with reported foodstuff losses and the outbreak of fires that occurred overnight as a result of the system malfunctions.
Dominique Schelcher, CEO of Coopérative U, described the attack as "unprecedented" and "extremely serious," calling it "unacceptable" to target essential preservation equipment and the food supply. He confirmed that the company's teams are working to restore the situation as quickly as possible and that an investigation is necessary to shed full light on the attack.
Intermarché warned of potential issues with insurance policies, as they may not cover this type of incident. The company's parent group, Groupement Mousquetaires, estimates its losses to be "several million euros."
One Intermarché store manager in Haguenau reported losses of around €50,000 (£42,200) at her branch alone, describing the attack as unlike anything she had experienced in 25 years in retail.
The French ministry of commerce has stated it is in contact with distributors but has no further information at this time. The incident highlights growing concerns over the potential havoc cyberattacks can cause in Europe across various sectors.