A major cyberattack targeting connected refrigerators and freezers at supermarkets across France reportedly caused temperatures to soar to 50°C, triggering fires and leaving large quantities of food spoiled.

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The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed on Monday, October 12, 2026, that a “large-scale” attack was affecting connected refrigeration systems at several major food retailers across the country. The incident raised concerns about the security of internet-connected equipment used in essential commercial operations.

According to the reported findings, hackers manipulated refrigerator and freezer temperatures overnight, pushing them far beyond safe storage levels. The disruption not only threatened perishable food supplies but also reportedly resulted in fires at affected locations.

Supermarket refrigeration systems are designed to maintain controlled temperatures to preserve fresh and frozen products. When these systems malfunction or are deliberately manipulated, food can become unsafe for consumption, resulting in significant financial losses for retailers.

The incident highlights the growing risks associated with cyberattacks on connected devices, often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). While such technology helps businesses monitor equipment and manage operations remotely, inadequate security can expose systems to unauthorised access.

The reported attack also raises questions about the potential consequences of cybercriminals targeting physical infrastructure rather than traditional computer networks. Disrupting temperature controls can affect food safety, business operations and potentially public safety.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine how the refrigeration systems were compromised. Further details about the perpetrators, the exact number of affected stores and the total financial damage were not provided in the initial report.

The incident serves as a warning to businesses that connected equipment requires strong cybersecurity safeguards alongside routine maintenance and monitoring.