French blood banks thwart cyberattack that attempted to raise storage temperatures
A cyber intrusion targeting refrigeration units at three French blood-bank sites was detected and neutralised, preventing any loss of plasma or disruption to blood services.
French authorities said a cyberattack on three French Blood Establishment (EFS) cold-storage sites attempted to raise temperature and defrosting thresholds to extreme levels. Monitoring systems flagged the anomaly quickly, allowing staff to secure the plasma bags and prevent any compromise of blood products or samples.
The attack targeted a refrigeration-equipment supplier, Coolworld, which confirmed that a component from a third-party vendor was vulnerable and that only a limited number of units were affected. Coolworld said it was taking appropriate measures.
EFS reported that blood collection and distribution continued without interruption and that no health consequences or loss of blood products were identified.
France’s national cybersecurity agency and the Health Ministry have opened investigations, though they have not disclosed any information about the perpetrators.
The incident follows earlier ransomware-style attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across France, Belgium and the Netherlands that caused widespread food spoilage and significant financial losses for retailers.