Cyber attack threatens blood banks in France – The Independent

Cyber attack threatens blood banks in France  The Independent

The incident in France comes soon after cyber attacks on supermarket fridges forced them to throw away food Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Blood banks in France were hit by a cyberattack the French health ministry has said, the latest in a series of online hoaxes and cyber attacks across Europe. "Several regional facilities of the French Blood Establishment (EFS) were affected by a cybersecurity incident that impacted certain cold storage room monitoring and control systems," the ministry said. The incident follows attacks that forced stores in eight European countries to throw away vast quantities of food after hackers tampered with their fridges on Monday, mirroring hacks that swept dozens of supermarkets in France three weeks ago.

But there was no damage to blood products in the centres following the attack, which took place on Monday but was publicised on Wednesday. "The situation is now under control and is being closely monitored,” the French health ministry added. “The safety of the blood supplies was preserved thanks to the facilities’ monitoring and alarm systems, as well as precautionary measures immediately implemented.” Investigations into the incident and equipment potentially affected are underway as authorities look at a timeline for a safe return to service for the bloodbanks. On Wednesday,