France investigates cyberattack that hacked retailers' refrigeration systems
NPR · Published on October 17, 2026
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Description
France has opened an investigation into a cyberattack that hit hundreds of food retailers, causing refrigerators to malfunction across the country. Between 500 and 700 store refrigeration systems were hacked across France to push the temperatures from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to over 140 degrees. Millions of tons of food went bad. The incident has prompted worries over food security and interference in next springs presidential election. Internet expert Julien Coulon says the attack could be an attempt to destabilize the stores and the country. The stores all used a Danish company to manage their freezers. Coulon says those hit had not updated the software, which let the hackers take control. Find “NPR News Now” wherever you listen to podcasts. Host: Korva Coleman/NPR Reporter: Eleanor Beardsley/NPR Producer: Zayrha Rodriguez/NPR
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