Attackers remotely defrosted refrigerators at multiple French supermarket chains overnight in a cyberattack that reportedly targeted Danfoss refrigeration controllers.
Victims include Intermarché, Coopérative U, Carrefour Market, Monoprix, Leclerc, and Super U, with French outlets reporting that the attack affected between 250 and 350 stores, causing significant financial losses and food waste.
The threat actors hijacked refrigeration controllers running older versions of Danfoss control software on Sunday night and used them to raise supermarket refrigerator temperatures by triggering a built-in automatic defrosting system.
Coopérative U president Dominique Schelcher confirmed the incident earlier today and said that the attack affected multiple stores in the chain.
"I can confirm that, since last night, a cyberattack has been affecting the refrigeration systems in several stores within our @CooperativeU network. Our teams are fully mobilized, working alongside refrigeration specialists, to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. An investigation will be conducted to shed full light on this attack," Schelcher said.
"Targeting equipment essential for preserving fresh produce and supplying food to the French people is an extremely serious matter and is unprecedented. It is unacceptable."