Hackers target supermarket fridges with cyber attack

Hundreds of supermarkets across France have been affected by a cyber attack targeting software used to manage commercial refrigeration equipment, disrupting cooling operations and putting millions of euros’ worth of food at risk.

The attack targeted refrigeration control software supplied by Danish engineering company Danfoss, which enables retailers to monitor and regulate cold rooms, fridges and freezers remotely.

Hackers reportedly manipulated the systems to force refrigeration units to heat up rather than maintain the temperatures required for food storage.

One affected retailer, Intermarché, said some units reached 50°C for six hours overnight, prompting the disposal of affected food to avoid potential health risks.

The incident has affected several major French retail groups, including Coopérative U, Intermarché, Netto, Carrefour, Monoprix and E.Leclerc.

Figures provided by individual retailers suggest around 400 stores were affected, although the full scale of the attack remains unclear.

More than 100 Coopérative U supermarkets were targeted, while 180 Intermarché and Netto stores were affected. A further 100 shops were reportedly disconnected from the internet as a precaution.

Carrefour reported problems at 80 of its approximately 6,000 stores, while Monoprix said around 5% of its more than 400 outlets had been hit. Some retailers removed products from sale where their safety could not be guaranteed.

Danfoss said the affected refrigeration units were older models whose security software could not be updated to address an identified risk. The company said it had long advised customers to keep supported systems up to date.

In a statement, Danfoss said reliable refrigeration was critical to its customers’ operations and that it remained committed to helping them maintain secure and dependable systems.

The incident highlights the potential vulnerabilities associated with connected refrigeration equipment, particularly systems that allow operators to adjust temperatures and monitor performance remotely.

The financial impact is still being assessed. French broadcaster BFMTV reported that two supermarkets in the Alsace region had suffered combined losses of €270,000, suggesting the nationwide cost could run into millions of euros.

Some stores reported that refrigeration display units remained out of service following the attack. Retailers said they had removed affected products and were working to restore normal operations and replenish shelves.

French prosecutors have opened a cybercrime investigation into what the Paris prosecutor’s office described as a large-scale attack affecting refrigeration equipment at several major food retailers.

Hackers target supermarket fridges with cyber attack

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