A French blood bank cyberattack disrupted monitoring and control systems at several regional facilities, although authorities say no blood products were damaged.
France’s health ministry said the incident occurred on November 2 and affected some cold storage room systems operated by the French Blood Establishment, known as EFS.
Officials said monitoring equipment, alarms and precautionary measures prevented the attack from compromising blood supplies.
Blood supplies remain safe
“The situation is now under control and is being closely monitored,” the ministry said.
It added that “the safety of the blood supplies was preserved” through existing alarm systems and measures introduced immediately after the incident was detected.
Investigators are examining how the attack was carried out, which equipment may have been compromised and when affected systems can safely return to normal operation.
Europe faces refrigeration attacks
The incident comes amid growing concern over cyberattacks targeting internet connected refrigeration infrastructure across Europe.
Earlier this week, stores in eight European countries were affected after hackers interfered with refrigerator and freezer controls, forcing some retailers to dispose of large quantities of food.
Similar attacks struck dozens of French supermarkets several weeks earlier.
Authorities have not established whether the attacks on commercial refrigeration equipment and the French blood facilities are connected.
READ ALSO: Democrats Win US Congress
