The cyberattack targeting the refrigeration systems of hundreds of supermarkets in France on Monday, October 12, 2026, raises questions about the security of the digital equipment used in large retail outlets in Tunisia and the risks of similar attacks, particularly with the development of remote monitoring and control technologies.
In this context, Hédi Baccour, president of the National Syndicate Chamber of Large-Scale Retail Outlets, stated, in a statement given to Tunisie Numérique, on Tuesday October 13, 2026, that sector companies are taking precautions to protect their computer systems against cyberattacks.
Remote control of refrigeration equipment: between advantages and risks
Hédi Baccour explained that new technologies allow large retail outlets to monitor and control their refrigeration equipment remotely, both from the companies’ headquarters and from other sites.
According to him, these devices are mainly aimed at optimizing energy consumption and improving the monitoring of installations, notably through the tracking of temperatures, operating conditions and the performance of equipment.
He nevertheless stressed that these technological advances, despite their benefits in energy management and facility control, come with new risks, notably cyberattacks capable of targeting companies’ information systems.
The official noted that these threats concern not only large retail outlets, but also other sectors heavily dependent on digital technologies, such as banks and administrations.
He thus emphasized the need to take all essential precautions to limit intrusion risks and prevent unauthorized access to computer systems.
Could the French scenario occur in Tunisia?
Asked by Tunisie Numérique about the possibility that Tunisian supermarkets could face a cyberattack similar to the one that occurred in France, Hédi Baccour affirmed that sector companies have put precautionary measures in place to protect their IT infrastructures.
He assured that Tunisian large retail outlets place special emphasis on securing their digital systems in order to prevent any unauthorized intrusion.
However, these assurances do not mean that the risks of cyberattack are entirely ruled out. The actual level of protection depends notably on the nature of the technologies used, the cybersecurity measures deployed, as well as the procedures for updating and monitoring the systems.
As a reminder, on the night of Sunday 11 to Monday 12 October 2026, several hundred stores in France were affected by a cyberattack targeting the control systems of refrigeration installations.
According to information reported by French media, the attackers reportedly managed to remotely trigger forced defrost cycles, causing an abnormal rise in temperatures in some refrigerators and freezers.
Information indicates temperatures could reach 50 to 80 degrees Celsius, values that still require independent confirmation.
This attack would have led to the deterioration of large quantities of fresh and frozen food products, resulting in losses for the affected chains.
The incident thus raises questions about the security of digital systems connected to industrial and commercial equipment, but also about the ability of companies to protect their cold chains and their electronic infrastructures against cyber threats.
