Cyberattack on French plasma stores is enough to make your blood boil
Attackers reportedly set cold-room controls to 110°C, but safeguards prevented stock losses
A cyberattack on French plasma stores has raised concerns about the security of cold-storage systems. The incident occurred after attackers compromised a refrigeration supplier, allowing them to manipulate cold-storage settings. The French Blood Establishment (EFS) confirmed the attack on Tuesday, noting that its own systems remained unaffected.
Safeguards in place prevented any loss of blood products. The affected equipment stored blood samples and frozen plasma, including plasma for transfusion. EFS's monitoring and alarm systems enabled the rapid identification of anomalies and implementation of necessary measures to protect the products. The affected equipment was either brought under control or neutralized, with preventive measures ensuring no compromise to the stored products.
The EFS did not publicly name the supplier. Reports indicated that attackers altered cold-room temperatures from -30°C to 110°C, though the equipment and its contents did not reach the higher temperature. The organization reported the incident to the national cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, and the Ministry of Health. Similar attacks on refrigeration devices have been reported across Europe, causing disruptions in supermarkets in Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Sweden.
These incidents have raised questions about the potential for widespread cold-store attacks, following previous waves that affected French supermarket chains.
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