Cyberattack on French Supermarkets Affects Refrigerators, Causing Food Loss and Fires

<p>Refrigerators in French supermarkets are being targeted by remote hackers, who are increasing their temperature to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit.</p> <p>Paris authorities reported on October 12, 2026, that a large-scale cyberattack is affecting connected refrigerators in several major food retailers across France. The tampering has impacted hundreds of retail locations, resulting in food inventory loss and fires.</p> <p>Dominique Schelcher, CEO of retail group Coopérative U, confirmed that a cyberattack has been affecting the cold production facilities of several stores in their network since the previous night. He stated, "Our teams are fully mobilized, in coordination with refrigeration specialists, to restore the situation as quickly as possible." </p> <p>Approximately 150 to 200 Intermarché stores and nearly 100 Coopérative U outlets were targeted in the attack. Reports indicate that rival supermarket chain E. Leclerc was also affected, with hackers managing to remotely trigger the forced defrosting of refrigeration systems.</p> <p>Schelcher characterized the incident as a threat to French food security, stating, "Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products and to the food supply of the French people is of extreme gravity and is unprecedented. It is unacceptable." </p> <p>Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has instructed the national cybersecurity agency (ANSSI) to investigate the incident. The Paris prosecutor’s office announced it is also investigating the cyberattack, aiming to identify victims and establish the link with reported damages, including foodstuff losses and fires.</p> <p>A vulnerability has reportedly been identified in software produced by Danish company Danfoss. Additionally, Dutch supermarket operator Ahold Delhaize announced it is experiencing a security issue amid the ongoing cybersecurity incidents, although it is unclear if this is related to the attacks in France.</p>