Brief
Cyber‑attack forces defrost of refrigerators in French supermarkets
Intermarché and Cooperative U say the attack affected up to 300 stores and forced disposal of fresh and frozen products.
By Felo News Desk · Published
French supermarket chains Intermarché and Cooperative U reported that a coordinated cyber‑attack forced the defrosting of refrigeration units in roughly 150‑200 Intermarché shops and about 100 Cooperative U outlets, the retailers said on Monday.
Paris prosecutors confirmed the incident and opened an investigation into the large‑scale attack that also reportedly triggered fires in some locations. BFM TV added that E. Leclerc, France’s biggest chain, was similarly targeted, though the company has not confirmed the claim.
Dominique Schelcher, chief executive of Cooperative U, called the attack “unprecedented” on X, saying it jeopardised the food supply and that the company’s teams were fully mobilised to restore operations. Intermarché warned of significant food waste and potential insurance issues.
The prosecutor’s office said the probe will identify victims and assess links between the cyber‑attack, food losses and the reported fires.
Key facts
- Intermarché and Cooperative U said the attack hit 150‑200 and about 100 stores respectively. (theguardian.com)
- Paris prosecutors opened an investigation into the cyber‑attack affecting supermarket refrigeration. (theguardian.com)
- Dominique Schelcher described the attack as unprecedented and said teams are mobilised. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Cyber-attack defrosts refrigerators in two French supermarket chains”
