French fridge fright: Why supermarkets have become target for hackers

What the report says

Hundreds of supermarkets across France were hit by an apparent cyberattack that disrupted internet-connected refrigeration systems, according to Al Jazeera. The incident affected more than 500 stores and led to large amounts of food spoiling after fridges and freezers were reportedly driven to very high temperatures overnight while shops were closed. In some cases, the warming also caused fires or damaged equipment, the report said.

The retailers named as affected included E-Leclerc, Intermarche, Carrefour, Monoprix and Cooperative U. Al Jazeera reported that Intermarche said at least 300 of its stores and its Netto brand were affected, while Cooperative U said more than 100 supermarkets were targeted. Carrefour said 80 stores were hit, and Monoprix said about 5 percent of its roughly 490 outlets were affected. The publication said the systems involved were made by Danish manufacturer Danfoss, and that authorities were investigating who was behind the attack and how it was carried out.

France’s cybersecurity agency advised operators of the affected freezer models to disconnect them from the internet or restrict access and install software updates. Danfoss said the affected control systems were older products with outdated firmware. The incident has raised broader concerns about the security of digitized food supply chains and other connected infrastructure. Al Jazeera noted that similar cyberattacks have hit retailers and food distributors in Britain and the United States in recent years.