Hackers target French blood plasma freezer systems

Suspected hackers targeted freezer systems used to store blood plasma in France overnight between November 1 and November 2, according to a report by Cyberattaque, cited by Cyber Security News. The systems were programmed to raise freezer temperatures from -30C to 110C (-22F to 230F). It is not known whether the freezers reached those temperatures.

The campaign targeted Coolworld, a supplier to the French Blood Establishment (EFS), which collects, prepares and distributes blood and blood products in France. Cyberattaque reported that plasma for transfusions was among the products potentially at risk.

France’s Ministry of Health said the incident caused no serious operational consequences because the temperature changes were quickly detected and corrected. The number of affected facilities, the duration of the disruption and the temperatures reached remain unknown. There is no confirmation that any blood stocks had to be destroyed.

Cyberattaque said the attackers compromised third-party maintenance systems controlling freezer temperatures, rather than the medical facilities themselves. The report warned that such systems could create risks for multiple customers, but it is unclear how broadly the incident affected operations.

In October 2026, France’s cybersecurity agency director general Vincent Strubel warned that refrigeration facilities, including those holding medical resources, could face attacks. In the UK, National Cyber Security Centre chief executive Richard Horne also warned about weak technology and operational foundations across organizations and supply chains. The source does not specify the date of Horne’s remarks.