Cyber Attack Thaws French Supermarket Refrigerators, Spoiling Food

Two major French supermarket chains, Intermarché and Cooperative U, have been hit by a sophisticated cyber-attack that caused refrigeration units to malfunction, leading to widespread food spoilage. The incident, described as "unprecedented" by retailers, affected an estimated 150-200 Intermarché stores and nearly 100 Cooperative U outlets.

The attackers reportedly manipulated the refrigeration systems, causing temperatures to rise significantly, potentially reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). This disruption poses a severe threat to food safety and has forced the disposal of large quantities of perishable goods, resulting in substantial financial losses and operational chaos for the affected businesses. Investigations into the attack's origin and full impact are ongoing.