France has formally accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out cyberattacks that disrupted hundreds of supermarket refrigeration systems, causing widespread food spoilage and financial losses. The attacks, which occurred in October and November 2026, targeted internet-connected industrial refrigerators and freezers across France and other European countries.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the attribution on November 9, describing the incidents as an unprecedented cyber sabotage campaign against the country. France has summoned Iran’s ambassador and announced plans to pursue European sanctions against those responsible.
Cyberattacks Disrupt Hundreds of Refrigeration Systems
The attacks targeted remotely accessible controllers used to regulate temperatures in supermarket refrigerators, freezers, and other industrial cooling equipment. Hackers manipulated temperature settings, causing stored food to spoil and forcing retailers to discard affected products.
According to France’s national cybersecurity agency ANSSI, approximately 700 French retail sites were affected during the October 11 and 12 attacks. Authorities reported at least 15 fires linked to compromised equipment, alongside food losses estimated at tens of millions of euros.
Additional incidents were reported across Europe in early November, affecting supermarket refrigeration systems in several countries. Security researchers warned that some internet-connected controllers remained vulnerable to unauthorized access, particularly older equipment that no longer receives security updates.
French Blood Banks Also Targeted
The attacks also affected refrigeration systems at three facilities operated by the French Blood Establishment, which manages blood collection and distribution. Hackers altered temperature and defrost settings through equipment supplied by an external refrigeration provider.
However, the French Blood Establishment confirmed that its monitoring and alarm systems allowed staff to respond before any blood products or samples were damaged. The organization said it had transferred affected supplies as a precaution.
France Plans Sanctions Against Iranian Hackers
French authorities attributed the October campaign to Shahid Kaveh, a cyber unit associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Investigators cited technical evidence linking the operations to Iranian infrastructure and previously identified cyber activities.
Barrot said France would pursue sanctions at the European level while referring the attacks to the French justice system. Prosecutors have opened an investigation targeting the suspected cyber unit’s leadership and other individuals potentially involved.
The allegations follow earlier cyberattacks attributed to pro-Iranian groups against U.S. critical infrastructure and medical technology companies. American authorities are also investigating reports of refrigeration equipment disruptions at military facilities, although they have not publicly attributed those incidents to Iran.
Featured image credits: Magnific.com
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