GoKawiilHack disables fridge controls at hundreds of French supermarkets
A coordinated cyberattack hit refrigeration systems at French grocery chains E. Leclerc, Intermarché and Coopérative U early Monday, forcing connected fridges and freezers into defrost mode for hours and raising temperatures to around 50°C. The intrusion spoiled food and triggered fires in some stores, and authorities say other chains were also affected. Danfoss, maker of the targeted AK-SM800 and AK-SC355 system controllers, said the hit units were running outdated firmware and that it is working with customers on mitigation.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The incident underscores how outdated firmware on industrial control systems can leave critical infrastructure, including food supply chains, exposed to remote attackers. Coopérative U's CEO Dominique Schelcher called the targeting of food-preservation equipment 'of extreme gravity and unprecedented,' suggesting the attack may represent an escalation in targeting physical supply systems rather than just data. The case could push retailers and equipment makers to prioritize patching and isolating internet-exposed industrial devices.
- Hackers forced fridges and freezers at hundreds of French supermarkets into defrost mode, spoiling food and causing some fires.
- Danfoss confirmed the targeted AK-SM800 and AK-SC355 controllers were running outdated firmware with direct internet exposure.
- A Coopérative U executive called the attack on food-preservation systems unprecedented, as investigations into the perpetrators continue.
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Published there as: “Cyberattack Targets French Supermarket Refrigerators, Forcing Mass Food Disposal”
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