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French blood banks hit alongside cyberattack on European supermarkets
A cyberattack disrupted monitoring and control systems at three regional French blood banks while hackers also targeted supermarket refrigerators across Europe. Blood supplies were not affected, but the incident highlights risks to essential services that rely on connected equipment.
Staff moved blood to refrigerators outside the affected systems after receiving alerts, and remote access to the units was disabled. The health ministry said the situation was under control by Wednesday; investigations are examining how the attack happened, which equipment was affected and when it can safely return to service. Supermarket attacks affected stores in eight European countries, following a similar French incident the previous month that caused fires and food losses.
In short
- Three regional French blood banks were affected by a cyberattack.
- Staff moved blood, and supplies were not disrupted.
- Investigations are examining attacks on connected refrigeration systems.
Explained simply
Blood banks collect and store donated blood so it can be used in transfusions. Their refrigerators must keep blood at carefully controlled temperatures, and connected monitoring systems alert staff if equipment needs attention.
The reported attack disrupted monitoring and control systems at three regional blood banks in France. Staff moved blood to other refrigerators and disabled remote access; officials said supplies were not affected. Investigators are examining how the attack happened and which equipment was affected.
Hackers also targeted supermarket refrigerators in eight European countries, after a similar incident in France the previous month led to fires and food losses. The incidents raise questions about the security of connected equipment used to store blood and food, both of which depend on reliable temperature control.
Cybersecurity Europe Technology World