Hackers have targeted multiple French supermarket chains, including Carrefour, Monoprix, Intermarché, and Coopérative U, causing their refrigeration units to overheat to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). This malfunction resulted in spoiled food and potential fire hazards.
Dominique Schelcher, CEO of Coopérative U, emphasized the seriousness of the attack, stating that it threatens the preservation of fresh products and the food supply for the French population.
The cyberattack's impact extended beyond France, affecting several European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany, and Belgium, according to Felix Aime, a senior cyber threat intelligence analyst at Sekoia Threat Detection and Research.
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, condemned the attack, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced food security measures as the weaponization of food becomes a pressing reality. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities in food supply chains and the potential for significant operational disruptions in the retail sector