Hackers Thaw Products: US Warns of Attacks on Industrial Refrigeration Systems
Cybercriminals are altering temperatures in internet-connected refrigeration systems. The attacks have affected supermarkets, as well as equipment at US military facilities and a French blood bank.
CISA, the FBI, and several US federal agencies have warned of ongoing cyberattacks on industrial refrigerators and cold chain control systems. This was reported by TechCrunch, citing a joint statement dated November 5.
According to the publication, several waves of attacks in Europe allowed cybercriminals to raise temperatures in refrigeration units. As a result, products thawed and spoiled. Facilities in at least 12 countries were affected.
In France, the refrigeration equipment of a blood bank was targeted. The temperature began to rise, but intervention managed to stop it before blood supplies were damaged. The Pentagon is also investigating alleged breaches of freezer units at military facilities.
US agencies warn that interference with equipment operations could lead to loss of supplies, damage to units, and fire hazards. The latter is noted as a potential risk, not a confirmed consequence of the described attacks.
Organizations are advised to restrict direct internet access to control systems, strengthen passwords, install available updates, and replace equipment that is no longer supported by the manufacturer.
The joint US warning does not attribute responsibility for the attacks to any specific group or state.
