FBI issues warning after hackers target refrigeration systems worldwide

Cyberattack A woman walks past empty fresh-food refrigerators at an Intermarché supermarket in Névez, western France, on October 12, 2026, after a cyberattack on the French supermarket chains Intermarché and Cooperative U caused their refrigerators to defrost. Some 150 to 200 Intermarché stores were targeted in the attack on October 12, 2026, along with nearly 100 Coopérative U outlets, the retailers said. BFM TV reported that rival giant E. Leclerc was also affected, with hackers "managing to remotely trigger the forced defrosting of refrigeration systems in numerous stores." (Photo by Fred TANNEAU / AFP via Getty Images) (FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

By Miles Montgomery

ATLANTA — The FBI is issuing a warning after cyberattacks targeting refrigeration systems worldwide.

FBI officials say grocery stores and other businesses that rely on refrigeration to keep food and medicine cold are being urged to secure their systems amid cyberattacks.

Similar cyberattacks have also impacted several U.S. military bases, from California to Rhode Island.

Investigators say hackers are exploiting computerized controllers that are outdated, exposed to the internet or still using factory-default passwords.

“The FBI is seeing these systems targeted across critical infrastructure sectors globally, putting inventory and equipment at risk,” FBI officials said. “Together with partners at CISA, HHS, USDA, and the Department of Transportation, we have issued a fact sheet with clear, practical steps that network defenders can take to reduce their risk and protect operations.”

Officials listed tips including eliminate public internet exposure. Do not expose control system devices and/or systems, particularly controller panels, to the internet.