Hackers target freezers at French blood banks
Cybercriminals attempted to raise storage temperatures at three French blood banks to 110°C, aiming to destroy vital blood products, according to the French Blood Establishment.
The French Blood Establishment (EFS) reported on Tuesday that cybercriminals compromised refrigeration systems at three plasma storage facilities through an external supplier. The hackers attempted to raise temperatures from the normal -30°C to as high as 110°C, well above water's boiling point, according to Le Canard Enchaîné.
Quick Intervention Prevented Damage
Automated monitoring systems detected the temperature anomalies on Monday, allowing staff to intervene before any blood products were compromised. Plasma bags were either secured or transferred to other facilities.
Part of European Cyberattack Wave
The incident follows similar attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe. In October, hackers disrupted cooling at approximately 700 French supermarkets, forcing retailers to discard spoiled food. Dutch retailer Ahold Delhaize estimated these attacks could reduce its fourth-quarter sales by up to €250 million.
On Monday, suspected cyberattacks affected supermarkets in Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg, Ireland and Estonia, with hackers activating defrosting mechanisms remotely. Swedish stores reported temperatures raised to 50°C. Authorities haven't confirmed if the incidents are linked, and no group has claimed responsibility.
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