Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 2 hrs ago
Cyberattack defrosts refrigerators at French supermarket chains
A cyberattack caused refrigerators to defrost at stores belonging to French supermarket chains Intermarché and Coopérative U. The retailers said about 150 to 200 Intermarché stores and nearly 100 Coopérative U outlets were affected.
The attack reportedly began on Sunday night and involved refrigeration systems being triggered remotely.
Paris prosecutors said other major chains may also have been affected and that the incident was linked to outbreaks of fire.
Stores with damaged refrigeration may have to throw away fresh and frozen products, causing food waste and financial losses.
The incident matters because refrigeration helps keep food safe and supports the food supply.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation to identify those affected and establish links to reported damage, food losses and fires.
A cyberattack remotely triggered refrigerator defrosting at French supermarket stores, affecting Intermarché and Coopérative U.
The retailers said about 150 to 200 Intermarché shops and almost 100 Coopérative U outlets were targeted.
Reports also named other supermarket chains, but some of those companies had not confirmed they were affected.
The incident caused food losses and was reported to have prompted fires.
The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into the attack.
- Who
- Intermarché and Coopérative U were confirmed as victims; reports also named other French supermarket chains.
- What
- A cyberattack caused refrigeration systems to defrost, risking or destroying fresh and frozen food.
- When
- The attack affected refrigeration systems from Sunday night, October 11, into Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Supermarket stores across France.
- Why
- The attackers’ motive is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Targeting equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products and to the food supply of the French people is extremely serious and is unprecedented. It is unacceptable.
the large-scale cyber-attack affecting the refrigerators of several major food retail chains across France
throw away all of the products
The attack began affecting refrigeration systems at supermarket stores.
Intermarché and Coopérative U reported the attack and the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed an investigation had been opened.
- Confirmed Intermarché impact
- 150–200 shops
- Confirmed Coopérative U impact
- Almost 100 outlets
- Investigation
- Opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office
- Reported additional chains
- E. Leclerc; Carrefour Market and Monoprix were also named in reports, but not all had confirmed involvement
- Reported consequences
- Food losses and outbreaks of fire
Sources
Cyber-attack defrosts refrigerators in two French supermarket chains
Cyberattack shuts down refrigerators at French supermarkets
France supermarkets say cyberattack forced defrosting of refrigerators in over 200 stores
French supermarket chains say cyberattack forced refrigerator shutdown
Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets
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