Suryaa International Desk: French authorities have announced that Iran is allegedly behind a major cyberattack on prominent supermarket chains in France. Security departments in Paris confirmed that hackers targeted food supply chains and warehouse control systems. By hacking the software for refrigeration and cooling systems, the attackers altered temperatures, causing millions of euros worth of fresh food, meat, and dairy products to spoil.
A preliminary investigation by the French cybersecurity agency identified that the codes and hacking methods used in the attack resemble those of state-sponsored hacker groups from Iran. The attackers gained control of primary data servers and digital sensors in warehouses, disabling cooling plants overnight. Upon arrival, staff discovered that temperatures had risen, destroying the stored goods. Consequently, the food supplies were discarded to protect public health.
This incident occurs amid heightened diplomatic and geopolitical tensions between the two nations, including ongoing disagreements regarding the West Asian crisis and nuclear agreements. Security experts suggest that targeting civilian food supply systems is a new tactic in cyber warfare intended to disrupt civilian life and create public alarm. European Union member states have responded by emphasizing the need for collective defense measures against foreign cyber threats.
In response to the attack, the French government has increased security for critical food, pharmaceutical, and energy supply chains. Commercial entities have been ordered to review internal networks and implement additional protective measures. France intends to raise the issue with evidence at international forums, stating that it will not tolerate such international cyber activities.