Hackers targeted cold-storage systems at France’s national blood agency, attempting to raise freezer temperature settings to as high as 110°C (230°F), according to reports about the cyberattack. The incident affected three regional facilities of the French Blood Establishment (Établissement français du sang, or EFS). The attack occurred overnight between November 2 and 3 and involved systems used to monitor and control refrigeration equipment storing plasma. French media reports cited by the Associated Press said the settings, normally maintained around −30°C, were reportedly changed to 110°C. The French health ministry confirmed that several EFS facilities experienced a cybersecurity incident affecting cold-storage monitoring and control systems. The ministry said the situation was under control and that blood supplies remained safe. EFS monitoring and alarm systems detected the abnormal settings, enabling staff to respond quickly. Blood products and samples were secured or transferred to unaffected storage facilities before they were compromised. According to EFS, no blood products were lost, and no health consequences were identified. Blood collection and distribution operations continued without interruption, ensuring hospitals could maintain access to supplies. The incident reportedly affected a refrigeration equipment supplier rather than directly targeting EFS. Coolworld, a refrigeration equipment provider, acknowledged a cybersecurity incident involving a limited number of units and said the reported vulnerability involved a third-party component. French authorities are investigating the attack, including how it was carried out and which equipment was affected. The incident follows cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe, raising concerns about the security of remotely controlled infrastructure. The attack highlights the potential consequences of cyber intrusions targeting systems responsible for preserving essential medical supplies. 

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