Hackers Hijack European Supermarket Fridges in Coordinated Cyberattack, Forcing 50°C Defrost Cycles

An ongoing cyberattack has reportedly hijacked refrigeration systems across major European supermarkets, forcing units into a continuous defrost cycle set to 50°C. The breach targeted Danfoss-made refrigeration controls, hitting French retail networks including Intermarché, Leclerc, and Coopérative U. Parallel incidents in the Netherlands and Belgium have knocked supermarket websites offline, disrupted deliveries, and compromised electronic in-store pricing labels. Early reports indicate the resulting food spoilage and operational downtime have already driven losses near €300,000, with projections reaching several million euros. "Attacking equipment essential to the preservation of fresh products and the food supply of the French is of extreme gravity and is unprecedented." — Dominique Schelcher, President of Coopérative U.