Back Ewn.Co.Za Stores across France lose millions after hackers turn fridges into 'ovens'
Primedia+ viral content correspondent Barbara Friedman said it's a completely bizarre, unprecedented cyberattack. “They didn't go into the stores. They hacked into the systems, the cold chains in stores. And they basically messed with the smart software that controls the stores' refrigerators and freezers.”
The hackers forced the units into a permanent defrost loop, cranking temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius.
“And that is pretty much turning a fridge into an oven, right?”
Authorities say the hackers exploited a vulnerability in internet-connected cooling systems running outdated firmware. Stores have had to throw away a massive amount of spoiled food.
“And it's costing the French retail industry tens of millions of euros in a single day.”
The French prime minister has ordered their national cybersecurity agency to hunt down the culprits.
No one has taken responsibility, and the motive is unknown.
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
13 October 2026 10:33
Fire destroys 400-year-old Parisian market
Views and News with Clarence Ford
13 October 2026 10:28
Formula One to return to Africa in 'early 2030s' in Rwanda
13 October 2026 08:55
Sibiya threatened father of minor he is accused of sexually grooming, court told
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
The full story
This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.
