The European Union is warning of a joint response to cyberattacks that hit the refrigeration systems of around 700 supermarkets in France. Brussels is also considering imposing sanctions on the individuals and entities responsible for the attacks.
European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni stated that the EU stands in full solidarity with France and is ready to use all available instruments.
"The European Union is ready to provide a rapid and united response," he said during a press conference in Brussels.
The reaction comes after French authorities attributed responsibility to Iran for the attacks, which interfered with the temperature control systems of refrigerators, creating problems in the storage of fresh and frozen food products.
According to the European Commission, the issue is expected to be discussed at the next meeting of foreign ministers of member states, while new restrictive measures in the field of cybersecurity are also on the table.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that Paris is considering all options for response, including measures beyond diplomatic and European sanctions.
France has summoned the Iranian ambassador to demand explanations regarding suspicions of the involvement of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard unit in the cyberattack.
The Paris prosecutor's office has launched investigations against the leader of the Iranian group "Shahid Kaveh", who is suspected of being linked to the cyber structures of the Revolutionary Guard, as well as against his associates.
French authorities have also requested the issuance of international arrest warrants as part of the investigation.
On the other hand, Tehran has denied the accusations, describing them as unfounded and hostile.
The attack, which according to French authorities occurred during the night of October 11, has raised concerns about the cybersecurity of food infrastructure and the protection of vital systems in European countries.
