France has accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guards of carrying out cyberattacks on around 700 supermarkets and retail sites, causing refrigeration failures, food losses worth millions of euros and at least 15 fires. Paris has announced plans to pursue European sanctions
PARIS: France has accused Iran of orchestrating a large-scale cyberattack that disrupted refrigeration systems at approximately 700 supermarkets and food retail sites across the country. The attack caused extensive food spoilage, damaged equipment and triggered fires.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the findings on Monday, November 9, blaming Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for the October 11–12 attacks. French authorities described the incident as an unprecedented cyberattack aimed at sabotaging essential infrastructure. Reuters+1
Hackers raised refrigerator temperatures to 50°C
According to French investigators, hackers remotely accessed refrigeration control systems and manipulated temperature settings. Some units reached 50°C for approximately six hours, forcing supermarkets to discard large quantities of fresh and frozen food.
The attacks affected major supermarket chains and smaller food businesses. French officials reported losses running into tens of millions of euros, while at least 15 fires were linked to compromised refrigeration equipment.
France identifies Iranian cyber unit
France’s national cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, attributed the attacks to Shahid Kaveh, a cyber unit allegedly affiliated with the IRGC. Investigators identified digital evidence, including Farsi-language activity and internet infrastructure linked to Iran. Paris prosecutors have opened a formal investigation and are seeking international arrest warrants against suspected organisers.
France plans European sanctions
France has summoned Iran’s ambassador and announced plans to seek European Union sanctions against individuals and organisations responsible for the attacks. Similar refrigeration disruptions have also affected supermarkets in other European countries. However, authorities have not established whether these incidents are connected to the same operation.
Impact to Expect
The attacks highlight growing cybersecurity risks for supermarkets and other businesses that rely on remotely controlled equipment. Such breaches can cause physical damage, disrupt food supplies and create substantial financial losses. The incident could also increase diplomatic tensions between France and Iran as European authorities strengthen cybersecurity measures and investigate the attacks.
