The Debate - What the hack? Europeans face growing psyops and cyberattacks - France 24
France has summoned Iran's ambassador over a hacking attack last month that targeted hundreds of supermarket refrigerators, causing 15 to catch fire.
The French government summoned Tehran's ambassador in response to a sophisticated cyberattack that compromised supermarket refrigeration systems nationwide. The hacking caused equipment to overheat, resulting in 15 separate incidents of fires.
The diplomatic action comes amid reports that France acted on US intelligence regarding the incident. The timing is particularly notable as Iran currently seeks to break its international isolation following years of sanctions.
Growing Threat
The incident represents another example of European nations facing increasing cyber and psychological operations from state actors. While Russia has been frequently cited as a source of such attacks, this incident points to Iran's expanding capabilities in this domain.