The most hacked country in Europe? Why is France the target of so many cyberattacks
Summary
A cyberattack on refrigeration systems at about 700 French supermarkets spoiled food in October, in what France’s foreign minister called an unprecedented act of sabotage. The attack followed years of data breaches affecting French government agencies, companies and public services; analysts say France attracts attackers because of its political and economic importance and weaknesses in its digital defenses.Key Facts
- The October attack raised temperatures in refrigeration systems at roughly 700 stores operated by several French supermarket chains.
- Some refrigeration systems reached 80°C, and stores discarded spoiled food.
- Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the supermarket hack as the first large-scale cyberattack aimed at sabotage on French territory.
- France attributed the supermarket attack to an Iranian cyber unit affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards.
- In August, the finance ministry said personal and tax information belonging to nearly 680,000 taxpayers had been stolen and offered for sale online.
- Past attacks have stolen data from French agencies responsible for unemployment, immigration, education and identity documents, as well as public hospitals.
- Cybersecurity firm UpGuard calls France the most heavily breached large jurisdiction in Europe.
- Analysts cited France’s status as a major economy, nuclear power and permanent UN Security Council member as factors that make it an attractive target.
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