Hackers Heat Supermarket Fridges to 50°C in France Cyberattack

What happened

According to French reporting citing BFMTV, the attack began overnight from Sunday to Monday and affected refrigeration systems linked to Danish manufacturer Danfoss. The unknown attackers reportedly abused the defrosting function in older control software, setting some equipment to heat continuously, with temperatures said to have reached 50°C.

The total number of affected locations has not yet been confirmed. Supermarkets in France are dealing with large food losses after a cyberattack reportedly targeted refrigeration-control systems and forced equipment to heat instead of keeping products cold.

The cyber attack impacted several major supermarket chains, including Intermarché, Super U and E.Leclerc. Metro stores and smaller independent businesses, including butcher shops, were also reported to have been hit. French outlets including Clubic , 01net and Capital reported that around 150 Intermarché stores may have been affected.