Cyber-attacks on European refrigeration systems are becoming increasingly malicious. Most recently, the refrigeration systems at three French blood banks were attacked in an attempt to raise the temperature dramatically – from around minus 30 °C to as high as 110 °C. The apparent aim was to destroy vital stocks of blood plasma.
The attack took place during the night of Monday 2 November and targeted cold stores operated by a supplier to France’s national blood service, EFS. According to the French weekly Le Canard Enchaîné, the temperature and defrost settings were set to extremely high levels.
Major wave of cyberattacks against refrigeration and freezing systems
However, staff quickly detected the anomalies and moved plasma intended for transfusions and medicines to refrigeration units that were not connected to the network. The EFS states that no blood products or samples were damaged, and that there have been no health consequences. Blood collection and distribution are continuing as normal.
The refrigeration systems were back under the EFS’s control on Wednesday. Remote control of the systems has been temporarily disabled.
The incident is part of a recent wave of cyberattacks targeting refrigeration and freezer systems across Europe. Supermarkets in a number of countries have had their freezers hacked, leading to widespread spoilage of food. The authorities are investigating how the attackers gained access to the systems.
