French blood banks stop cyberattack aimed at spoiling blood plasma

French blood banks were targeted in a cyberattack that attempted to raise temperatures in cold storage facilities to destroy blood plasma, according to DW English.

The French Blood Establishment (EFS) reported that the attack affected control systems at three cold storage sites for plasma and blood samples but was stopped before any damage occurred.

The plasma was transferred or secured promptly, and no blood products were lost, with distribution operations continuing without interruption, EFS said.

The attack coincided with similar cyber incidents targeting refrigeration systems at grocery stores in France and other European countries, as well as a French cooperative bank, Credit Mutuel Arkea, France 24 English reported.

French cybersecurity authorities and the Health Ministry are investigating the incident but have not identified the perpetrators.

Alarm and monitoring systems detected the temperature anomalies quickly, preventing the blood products from being compromised, according to EFS.