Science & Technology

Cyberattack targets refrigerated systems of several supermarkets in France

Hundreds of French supermarkets, including Intermarché, Leclerc, and Super U, have suffered a cyberattack resulting in massive losses of goods.

13 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Cyberattack targets refrigerated systems of several supermarkets in France — Photo: Meithal · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5

In the night of October 11 to 12, 2026, a cyberattack targeted the refrigeration regulation systems of numerous supermarkets in France, causing temperatures in refrigerators and freezers to rise up to 50 degrees Celsius. Chains such as Intermarché, Leclerc, and Système U were severely affected by this incident, which has been described as unprecedented in scale.

Initial reports indicate significant losses, particularly the massive destruction of fresh and frozen products. In the city of Haguenau in Alsace alone, two supermarkets reported losses estimated at 270,000 euros. Overall, it is estimated that hundreds of stores across the country will have to destroy stocks that could represent losses of several million euros.

The affected regulation system is supplied by the Danish company Danfoss, which has acknowledged that the involved devices are outdated. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has ordered an investigation by the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems to identify the causes and those responsible for this attack.

Archive photo: Cyberattack targets refrigerated systems of several supermarkets in France — Archive photoPhoto: Paul.schrepfer · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

During this cyberattack, hackers gained remote control of the thermostats of the refrigeration installations, allowing them to alter the temperatures of these systems. Authorities, including the Paris prosecutor's office, have confirmed that an investigation has been opened to examine the implications of this intrusion.

Reactions from the affected companies vary. Intermarché stated to Agence France-Presse that several of its stores had to dispose of all impacted products. In contrast, the CEO of Coopérative U reported that only a minority of their establishments faced significant damage.

This cyberattack raises questions about the vulnerability of French retail infrastructure and the security of connected systems, as consumers worry about the effects on the food supply chain. Calls to enhance cybersecurity in these businesses are already being heard as the consequences of this incident are being analyzed.

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