Matt Wyckhouse, CEO at Finite State, comments, “France’s attribution of the refrigeration attacks to an Iran-linked group (which Iran refutes) shows the asymmetric power of targeting connected devices. A simple weakness in a seemingly ordinary controller can give an attacker the ability to cause physical disruption, and when that weakness exists across thousands of devices, the consequences can be catastrophic. These aren’t just refrigerators: connected devices support our food supply, hospitals, energy systems and other essential services. We have a lot of work to do to understand and strengthen the security of the devices we depend on, and to make sure fixes actually reach equipment already in use.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot blamed a cyber unit associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, U.S. officials confirm the cyber campaign shows key traits of Iranian cyber methods. However, the investigation remains ongoing.