French blood bank hit in latest cyberattack on fridges

Paris: The EFS blood bank reported a cyberattack on its cooling systems, similar to the recent attack on refrigeration systems across Europe, according to German Press Agency (dpa). Three locations of the bank were affected, with cooling rooms impacted, the bank disclosed on Wednesday. The refrigeration systems, provided by an external supplier, were remotely manipulated, causing temperatures to soar to extreme levels, the investigative newspaper Le Canard Enchaîné reported.

The temperatures climbed from -30°C to 11°C, but timely detection thanks to monitoring and alarm systems prevented any damage. EFS confirmed that no blood samples or products were compromised. Following the breach, the affected systems were swiftly restored under control, and blood products were transferred to other facilities as a precautionary measure, the bank stated.

EFS preserves blood products and biological samples in cooling units before distribution to healthcare facilities. This incident follows cybercriminals' targeting of fridges and freezers in European supermarkets, raising temperatures, affecting Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg, Estonia, Finland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

An extensive attack last month caused fridges to overheat in major French supermarket networks. The culprits behind the attacks remain unidentified.