French Blood Bank Becomes Latest Target of Cyberattack

PARIS: The cooling systems of France’s blood bank have been targeted in a cyberattack similar to those affecting refrigeration systems across Europe earlier this week, according to blood bank operator EFS on Wednesday.

EFS said cold storage rooms at three of its premises were affected by the attack, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The cooling systems were remotely manipulated, causing operating temperatures to rise to extremely high levels.

French investigative newspaper Le Canard Enchaîné reported that temperatures rose from -30 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius.

However, the temperature increase was quickly detected through monitoring and alarm systems, allowing immediate action to be taken.

According to EFS, no blood samples or blood products were affected by the incident.

The affected systems are now back under control, while blood stocks have been transferred to other facilities as a precautionary measure.

EFS is responsible for storing blood supplies and biological samples in refrigerated units before they are delivered to healthcare facilities.

The incident follows cyberattacks targeting refrigerators and freezers at supermarkets across Europe, which caused temperatures in the equipment to rise in countries including Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg, Estonia, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands.

A similar large-scale attack in mid-October also caused refrigerator temperatures to rise at several major supermarket chains in France.

Those responsible for the attacks have yet to be identified.

AGENSI