FRENCH supermarket chains are extending disruptions from a cyber-attack that targeted refrigeration controllers, with fresh indications that the impact reaches beyond Danfoss devices to include Dixell Electronics equipment. The attack is being linked to temperature-regulation devices across multiple brands, and French media reports describe either altered or interrupted refrigeration settings at sites using Dixell, in addition to Danfoss controllers. CERT-FR’s security advisory of 12 October explicitly names Danfoss AK-SC and AK-SM series, along with Dixell xweb and Copeland xweb, as affected systems.
Industry commentary suggests refrigeration controllers are attractive targets for sabotage because they sit at critical control points in cold-storage, food retail, and related sectors. Amir Preminger, CTO of Claroty, told Infosecurity that many such devices are exposed to the public internet, which eases access for attackers, though he stressed that patching alone isn’t a cure if devices remain internet-facing.
He described the broader risk to facilities like warehouses, pharmaceuticals, and chemical plants, and highlighted the importance of network segmentation, device inventory, and gating access—such as via corporate VPNs or APN gateways—to reduce exposure.
Reports from France’s Le Monde and regional outlets describe incidents affecting stores near Bordeaux and in the Tarn region, including a case where freezer temperatures were reportedly altered from −22°C to 150°C, with rapid successive changes observed. The incident underscores that supermarket fridges are connected to monitoring networks to meet temperature and alarm requirements, but that such connectivity can create pathways for disruption if not properly secured.