French Supermarket Freezers Hit by Cyber Attack
Hackers disrupted hundreds of French supermarket freezers, causing millions in food losses and raising alarms about cyber threats to food supply.
2 min read
Over 300 supermarket freezers and refrigerators in France were targeted in a cyber attack, leading to the destruction of up to $11.2 million in temperature-sensitive products. The attack, which affected chains like Intermarché, Netto, and Coopérative U, raised serious concerns about the security of critical infrastructure related to food supply.
Targeting Legacy Systems
The cyber attack focused on systems made by Danfoss, a Danish refrigeration company. Many of the affected systems were described as ‘legacy products’ that no longer receive software or security updates. Danfoss advised customers to keep their systems updated with the latest firmware, but it appears that many retailers failed to do so, leaving their equipment vulnerable.
Impact and Response
French grocer Les Mousquetaires reported that hackers raised freezer temperatures to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in at least 150 of its stores. Christophe Hansen, the European Union’s commissioner for agriculture and food, condemned the attack, calling it a serious threat to food security. He emphasized that the weaponization of food has become a reality, requiring increased attention at all levels.
Reactions and Concerns
Coopérative U’s CEO, Dominique Schelcher, confirmed the cyberattack and described it as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘extremely grave.’ He stated that the attack targeted equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products and the food supply of the French people. A small rural supermarket in northern France suffered a total loss, with manager Julien Fréret stating that the store would have to throw out all its goods.
Investigations and Cybersecurity Warnings
The cyber crime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into the attack. Cybersecurity experts noted that the attack was enabled by basic security failures, including the lack of updates and exposure of device interfaces to the internet. Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the UK National Cyber Security Centre, called the attack ‘one of the oddest cyber events’ he had ever seen.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights growing global concerns about the potential consequences of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered heightened vigilance against cyber attacks, particularly in light of increased risks from Russian ‘hybrid’ attacks. The attack also underscores the need for improved cybersecurity practices in the food industry, as cybercriminals are becoming increasingly bold and sophisticated.
Source: PJ Media
