A major, unprecedented cyber-attack targeted several French supermarket chains overnight from Sunday to Monday. The attack affected refrigeration systems in an estimated 150-200 Intermarché shops and nearly 100 Cooperative U outlets, with reports indicating that other major chains were also hit.
During the attack, hackers forced the temperatures of many supermarket refrigerators up to 50 degrees Celsius (122°F). This caused refrigerators to defrost and led to outbreaks of fire at several hundred stores across the country.
The malfunction forced supermarkets to discard significant amounts of fresh and frozen food. While Intermarché has yet to estimate its specific losses, the spoiled food is estimated to be worth millions of euros.
Paris prosecutors have confirmed the cyber-attack and have opened an investigation into the matter.