Pentagon Investigates Military Base Freezer Failures as Suspected Cyberattack

Technology · First reported 29 Oct, 10:06 · Updated 11:30

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

The Pentagon is treating freezer malfunctions that spoiled food at U.S. military bases in August as a suspected cyberattack, according to officials cited in the supplied reports. One report says investigators are coordinating with French counterparts over a separate attack on supermarket refrigeration systems; the investigation’s findings and the identity of any attacker remain unknown.

The Pentagon is treating August freezer failures at U.S. military bases as a suspected hack or cyberattack, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Four officials were cited in reports about the Pentagon’s suspicion; the Straits Times says the failures spoiled food at bases across the United States.
In at least one reported case, freezer temperatures were raised overnight rather than the units simply failing.
The detailed report says U.S. investigators are in contact with French counterparts about a separate refrigeration cyberattack in France.
The detailed report says investigators have not publicly established who was responsible or why; it also says the affected U.S. equipment brand is unclear.

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Key facts

Timing: The U.S. freezer malfunctions occurred in August; the Straits Times report is dated October 29.
Officials cited: Four officials familiar with the matter.
Reported U.S. locations: At least six base commissaries, according to the detailed report.
Investigation status: The Pentagon treats the failures as a suspected cyberattack; the detailed report says responsibility and motive are unresolved.
French comparison: The detailed report says a separate attack affected refrigeration at more than 350 establishments in France.