An estimated 150-200 Intermarché shops and nearly 100 Cooperative U outlets have been targeted in an unprecedented cyber-attack that caused their refrigerators to defrost, according to the retailers on Monday. The attack has also reportedly affected other major chains, prompting outbreaks of fire.
Attack Details
Paris prosecutors confirmed the attack, which has reportedly impacted E. Leclerc, France’s largest supermarket chain. Hackers managed to remotely trigger the forced defrosting of refrigeration systems in numerous stores. E. Leclerc has not yet confirmed the extent of the damage.
Affected branches will have to dispose of all fresh and frozen products, as stated by Intermarché.
Response from Retailers
Dominique Schelcher, the chief executive of Cooperative U, described the attack as “unprecedented” and confirmed that refrigeration systems have been affected since Sunday night. He stated:
