GoKawiilCyberattack disables Danfoss refrigeration systems at French supermarket chains
A cyberattack has reportedly hit Danfoss-made refrigeration controls used by Intermarché, Leclerc and Coopérative U stores in France, forcing fridges and freezers into continuous defrost cycles at around 50°C instead of their normal two-hour daily cycle. Coopérative U president Dominique Schelcher confirmed the attack began overnight Monday, called it 'extremely serious,' and said teams were working to restore systems while an investigation is launched. Electronic shelf pricing and deliveries have also reportedly been disrupted.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The incident highlights how vulnerable physical retail infrastructure, not just IT networks, has become to cyberattacks, since refrigeration and pricing systems are often connected to the internet for remote management. Early estimates put losses near 300,000 euros, with reports suggesting the figure could climb into the millions nationwide if spoiled stock and disrupted sales continue. Schelcher's description of the attack as 'unprecedented' and targeting food supply equipment could prompt wider scrutiny of industrial control system security across the retail sector.
- Danfoss refrigeration controls at Intermarché, Leclerc and Coopérative U stores were reportedly compromised.
- Hackers allegedly forced continuous defrosting at 50°C instead of the normal two-hour daily cycle.
- Early loss estimates approach 300,000 euros and could reach millions nationwide, according to initial reports.
Source: tomshardware.com — Stephen Warwick, 2026-10-12
Published there as: “'Unprecedented' Cyberattack cripples supermarket fridges across Europe as hackers activate automatic defrosting — delivery and store prices also impacted by incident”
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