France blames Iran for cyberattack on freezers

The French government has blamed Iran for a cyberattack on supermarket freezers and refrigerators across France. The attacks happened last month. They hit around 700 supermarkets and shops. Hackers took control of the cooling systems in the fridges and freezers. Temperatures increased to more than 50 degrees Celsius. Thousands of tons of frozen food melted. Stores had to throw the food away because it was no longer safe to eat. The French Foreign Minister said the attack was on a level never seen before. France believes an Iranian cyber unit carried out the attack. Iran has strongly denied it was involved in the attacks and blamed the French government for them.

Security experts have warned that cyberattacks could be more dangerous in the future. Similar attacks have already affected other European countries. A French blood bank has also been hit. Fortunately, workers stopped the blood products from being damaged. Cybersecurity expert Gerome Billois stated: "At the moment, they are attacking easy equipment, but we should be prepared to see attacks on other systems like water or electricity." Weak computer security can let hackers attack places and services, such as hospitals, airports, public transport and banks. This can put people's lives in danger. European officials have said that a strong response is needed.