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France has formally attributed cyberattacks on hundreds of supermarket refrigeration systems to an Iranian military linked hacking unit, warning of further action and proposing new European Union sanctions.
Mariyam Adheela
PARIS, France: France has formally accused Iran of carrying out cyberattacks against its interests, following an operation that disrupted refrigeration systems at around 700 retail sites across the country.
In a statement issued on November 9, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said investigations had linked the attacks to Shahid Kaveh, a cyber offensive unit affiliated with the electronic and cyber centre of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The attacks took place overnight between October 11 and 12, targeting industrial refrigeration controllers at supermarkets and other food distribution facilities. French authorities said the attackers altered equipment settings, causing significant food losses and fires at several locations.
According to French authorities, the operation affected more than 700 sites and resulted in material damage, with food losses estimated at tens of millions of euros. At least 15 fires were also reported in connection with the attacks.
France described the operation as unprecedented in its scale and aggression, calling it the first cyber campaign carried out purely for sabotage on French territory.
The French government said it would summon Iran’s ambassador to formally condemn the attacks. It also plans to propose new European Union sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities believed to be involved.
France has further reserved the right to take additional measures, including actions that may not be made public, which it considers necessary and proportionate.
The French cybersecurity authorities have also published a joint report detailing cyber operations attributed to Iranian actors linked to the IRGC. The report identifies other alleged operations targeting French interests, including incidents involving the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in 2023 and preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Iran had not publicly responded to France’s latest allegations at the time of reporting.
