Cyberattack remotely heated refrigeration systems to 50°C across 700 French supermarkets

The cyberattacks disrupted supermarket operations in two countries, hitting Albert Heijn’s websites, apps, customer service, online grocery deliveries and distribution centres in the Netherlands. Etos, Gall & Gall and Belgian sister chain Delhaize also reported IT problems, while Albert Heijn warned that fresh-food supplies could run short.

In France, attackers remotely triggered forced defrosting in supermarket refrigeration systems, pushing temperatures as high as 50°C and spoiling fresh and frozen food. French authorities cited 700 supermarkets in the attack. Investigators are examining older refrigeration-control software supplied by Danfoss.