France blames Iran for cyberattack on freezers

The French government has blamed Iran for a series of cyberattacks on supermarkets across France. The attacks affected around 700 shops. Hackers took control of the cooling systems in refrigerators and freezers, causing temperatures to rise above 50 degrees Celsius. Thousands of tons of frozen food melted and had to be thrown away because it was no longer safe to eat.

France believes that an Iranian cyber unit was responsible for the attacks. The French Foreign Minister described them as unprecedented. However, Iran has strongly denied any involvement and blamed the French government for the accusations.

Security experts have warned that cyberattacks could become more dangerous in the future. A French blood bank was also attacked, although workers managed to protect the blood products. Cybersecurity expert Gerome Billois warned that hackers might target more important systems, including water and electricity networks.

Weak computer security can allow hackers to attack essential services such as hospitals, airports, public transport and banks. These attacks can cause serious problems and even put people's lives in danger.

The incident has raised important questions about the security of modern technology. Many businesses use internet-connected equipment to control their daily operations. Although this technology can make companies more efficient, it can also create new risks.

Governments and businesses must therefore invest in cybersecurity and protect their computer systems. The challenge is to make technology useful without making it dangerous.

After all, what would happen if hackers could control not only supermarket refrigerators but also the electricity, water and transport systems that millions of people depend on every day?

2. VOCABULARY MATCH

Match the words with their correct definitions.

Paragraph 1

No.	Word	Definition
1.	blamed	a. Machines that keep food and drinks cold.
2.	freezers	b. Said that someone did something wrong.
3.	refrigerators	c. How hot or cold something is.
4.	temperatures	d. A way to measure weight. One ton is 1,000 kilograms.
5.	tons	e. Machines that keep food very, very cold or frozen.
6.	melted	f. The person or group that did something.
7.	responsible	g. Changed from ice or something hard to liquid.

Paragraph 2

No.	Word	Definition
8.	experts	h. Had an effect on someone or something.
9.	affected	i. Ready to do something.
10.	blood bank	j. A person who knows a lot about a subject.
11.	equipment	k. A place where blood is kept for people who need it.
12.	prepared	l. For everyone to use or know about.
13.	public	m. Tools and machines used for a particular job.
14.	response	n. An answer or action after something happens.

3. SYNONYM MATCH

Match the following synonyms from the article.

Word from the article	Synonym
blamed	a. necessary
affected	b. systems
melted	c. protected
unprecedented	d. claims
experts	e. changed
warned	f. accused
protect	g. specialists
essential	h. influenced
networks	i. unusual
accusations	j. cautioned

4. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES

Complete the sentences using the words in the box. Use each word only once.

Word bank: hackers – affected – refrigerators – melted – unprecedented – experts – protect – essential – infrastructure – accusations

1. The cyberattacks __________ around 700 supermarkets in France.

2. __________ took control of the supermarket cooling systems.

3. The food was stored in large __________ and freezers.

4. Thousands of tons of frozen food __________ because of the high temperatures.

5. The French Foreign Minister described the attacks as __________.

6. Cybersecurity __________ believe that future attacks could be more dangerous.

7. Supermarkets must __________ their computer systems from hackers.

8. Hospitals and electricity supplies are __________ services.

9. Governments must invest in protecting their country's digital __________.

10. Iran rejected the __________ made by the French government.

5. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Answer the questions using complete sentences.

1. Which country blamed Iran for the cyberattacks?

2. Approximately how many supermarkets and shops were affected?

3. How did the hackers attack the refrigerators and freezers?

4. What happened to the frozen food?

5. Why did supermarkets have to throw the food away?

6. How did Iran respond to the accusations?

7. What happened to the French blood bank?

8. Which two important systems did the cybersecurity expert mention?

9. Why can weak computer security be dangerous?

10. Which essential services could become targets of cyberattacks?

11. Why do businesses need to invest in cybersecurity?

12. Do you think modern technology makes society safer or more vulnerable? Explain your answer.

6. CYBERSECURITY: TAKE A SIDE

Discuss the statements below. Choose whether you agree or disagree and explain your position.

1. Everything should be connected to the internet because technology makes our lives easier.

2. Governments should be allowed to monitor people's online activities to prevent cyberattacks.

3. Companies should be responsible for paying customers if hackers attack their computer systems.

4. Hospitals and electricity companies should spend more money on cybersecurity than other businesses.

5. A cyberattack can be just as dangerous as a physical attack.

6. Companies that fail to protect their computer systems should receive heavy financial penalties.

7. Employees should receive cybersecurity training as part of their professional education.

8. Important services such as water, electricity and public transport should never depend entirely on computer systems.

9. Governments should be allowed to shut down internet services during a serious cyberattack.

10. Technology companies should be responsible when their products are used by criminals.

7. TEN IMPORTANT PLACES THAT COULD BE TARGETED BY CYBERATTACKS

Read the following ten situations. As you read, think about the possible consequences of each attack.

Questions to consider:

• Which attack could put the greatest number of people in danger?

• Which attack could cause the biggest economic problems?

• Which attack could affect people's everyday lives the most?

• Which attack would be the most difficult to recover from?

• Which organisation should be responsible for protecting each service?

1. Hospitals

Hackers attack a hospital's computer systems. Doctors and nurses temporarily lose access to important patient information. Some medical appointments and operations have to be delayed.

Why could this be dangerous?

2. Electricity networks

A cyberattack causes electricity problems in several cities. Homes, businesses, factories and public services are affected.

How would people's lives change?

3. Banks

Hackers attack a major bank and customers cannot access their accounts or make payments. Some people are worried that their personal information may have been stolen.

How could this affect the economy?

4. Airports

An international airport experiences a serious computer failure. Flight information becomes unavailable, and thousands of passengers experience delays.

How could this affect international travel?

5. Water treatment plants

A water company experiences a cyberattack. Workers are unable to access some computer systems that help them manage the water supply.

Why is protecting water services so important?

6. Supermarkets

Hackers take control of supermarket refrigerators and freezers. Food becomes too warm and thousands of products have to be thrown away.

Who should pay for the financial losses?

7. Railway networks

A railway company's computer systems stop working correctly. Trains are delayed, passengers cannot access information and important deliveries are affected.

What could the consequences be for businesses and commuters?

8. Schools and universities

Hackers attack an educational institution and students and teachers cannot access their online accounts, lessons or examination information.

Should schools invest more money in cybersecurity?

9. Government institutions

A government department suffers a cyberattack and confidential documents are stolen.

How could this affect national security and public confidence?

10. Emergency services

A cyberattack affects the computer systems used by emergency services. Ambulances, firefighters and police officers experience communication problems.

Why could this be one of the most serious attacks?

8A. ROLE PLAY EXERCISES

Role Play 1 – Who Should Pay for a Cyberattack?

Situation: A cyberattack affects 700 supermarkets in France. Thousands of tons of frozen food are destroyed. The supermarkets want compensation, but the government, insurance companies and technology suppliers disagree about who should be responsible.

Choose one of the following five roles:

Role A – The Supermarket Director

You represent a large supermarket chain. Explain why the company should receive compensation for the destroyed food and why businesses need government support after serious cyberattacks.

Role B – The Government Representative

You believe businesses must take responsibility for protecting their own computer systems. Explain why taxpayers should not automatically pay for private companies' mistakes.

Role C – The Insurance Company Manager

You represent an insurance company. Explain why cyber insurance is important and why companies must demonstrate that they have taken reasonable security measures.

Role D – The Technology Supplier

You provide internet-connected refrigerators and supermarket equipment. Explain why your products are reliable and why businesses must manage their own computer security.

Role E – The Consumer Representative

You represent supermarket customers. Explain why customers should not have to pay higher prices because companies have failed to protect their businesses.

Final challenge: Decide who should pay for the damage and agree on a fair compensation system.

Role Play 2 – Should Everything Be Connected to the Internet?

Situation: A technology company wants to introduce smart systems into supermarkets, hospitals, schools and public buildings. These systems could save money and make daily operations easier. However, some people are worried about the risks of cyberattacks.

Choose one of the following five roles:

Role A – The Technology Company Director

You believe connected technology makes organisations more efficient. Explain why businesses should invest in smart equipment and modern systems.

Role B – The Cybersecurity Expert

You are concerned about weak computer security. Explain why organisations need to protect their systems before introducing more connected technology.

Role C – The Hospital Director

You want to introduce smart medical equipment and digital patient records. Explain how technology can improve healthcare but also create risks.

Role D – The Government Minister

You want to encourage technological development while protecting essential public services. Explain why governments need clear rules and regulations.

Role E – The Consumer Representative

You are concerned about privacy and security. Explain why ordinary people should have more information about how connected devices collect and use their data.

Final challenge: Decide whether organisations should connect more equipment to the internet or limit the use of connected technology.

Role Play 3 – Should Governments Blame Other Countries for Cyberattacks?

Situation: France accuses Iran of organising cyberattacks against supermarkets. Iran denies the accusations. European governments are considering stronger political and economic measures in response.

Choose one of the following five roles:

Role A – The French Foreign Minister

You believe there is sufficient evidence to accuse Iran. Explain why governments must defend their countries against cyberattacks.

Role B – The Iranian Government Representative

You reject the accusations and argue that countries should not be blamed without clear evidence. Explain why international relations require fairness and cooperation.

Role C – The Cybersecurity Expert

You investigate cyberattacks and explain why identifying the people or organisations responsible can be difficult.

Role D – The European Union Representative

You want European countries to work together to improve cybersecurity and respond to attacks against essential services.

Role E – The International Diplomat

You want to prevent the situation from becoming an international conflict. Explain why dialogue and cooperation are important.

Final challenge: Decide whether France should introduce sanctions, request an international investigation or negotiate with Iran.

Role Play 4 – Should Companies Pay Ransom After a Cyberattack?

Situation: A large hospital suffers a cyberattack. Its computer systems become unavailable, and the hackers demand a large payment to restore access. Hospital managers are under pressure because patients need medical treatment.

Choose one of the following five roles:

Role A – The Hospital Director

You believe the hospital must consider paying because patients' lives may be at risk.

Role B – The Cybersecurity Adviser

You strongly oppose paying criminals because it could encourage more attacks.

Role C – The Government Representative

You must decide how the government should support the hospital and protect the public.

Role D – The Hospital Doctor

You are worried about patients and believe the hospital's first responsibility is to continue providing medical care.

Role E – The Patient Representative

You want patients to receive safe treatment and expect the hospital to protect their personal information.

Final challenge: Decide whether the hospital should pay, refuse to pay or seek another solution.

Role Play 5 – Should Employees Be Responsible for Cybersecurity?

Situation: An employee opens a suspicious email at work. This creates a serious security problem for the company. The manager wants to dismiss the employee, but the employee argues that the company never provided proper cybersecurity training.

Choose one of the following five roles:

Role A – The Employee

You believe the company should have provided better training and clearer instructions. Explain why one mistake should not automatically result in dismissal.

Role B – The Company Director

You believe employees must be responsible for their actions because one mistake can create serious financial problems.

Role C – The Human Resources Manager

You must consider the employee's responsibilities, the company's training policies and the consequences of the incident.

Role D – The Cybersecurity Trainer

You believe companies must regularly train employees to recognise suspicious messages and protect company information.

Role E – The Trade Union Representative

You believe employees should not be punished for mistakes if the company has failed to provide the necessary training.

Final challenge: Decide whether the employee should receive a warning, additional training or lose their job.

8B. DEALING WITH DIFFICULT CLIENTS

WORKPLACE CHALLENGES: WHEN THE CLIENT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND CYBERSECURITY

Theme: How should professionals react when customers are aggressive, unreasonable, demanding or refuse to accept responsibility?

1. The Angry Supermarket Manager

Your company supplies refrigeration equipment to a supermarket. After a cyberattack, the supermarket loses thousands of euros in frozen food. The manager blames your company and demands immediate compensation.

However, your investigation suggests that the supermarket had not updated its computer systems for several years.

How would you handle this?

2. The Demanding Hospital Director

A hospital director wants your cybersecurity company to guarantee that its computer systems will never be attacked. You explain that no security system can offer complete protection.

The director becomes angry and says that your company is not professional enough.

How would you handle this?

3. The Customer Who Ignores Security Advice

A business owner refuses to introduce additional security measures because they are expensive. Several months later, the company experiences a cyberattack.

The owner blames your team for not protecting the business properly, even though they previously rejected your recommendations.

How would you handle this?

4. The Client Who Wants an Impossible Deadline

A large company contacts you after a cyberattack and demands that all its computer systems return to normal within two hours.

Your team explains that the situation requires more time and careful checks.

The client threatens to cancel the contract if you cannot meet the deadline.

How would you handle this?

5. The Client Who Wants to Hide the Attack

A company suffers a serious data breach. Its director asks you not to tell customers because the company could lose its reputation and several important contracts.

You believe affected customers need to know what has happened.

How would you handle this?

6. The Client Who Wants Special Treatment

A wealthy business owner expects your cybersecurity company to provide 24-hour support, immediate answers and special services without paying extra.

When you explain the company's working conditions, they become aggressive and threaten to change suppliers.

How would you handle this?

8C. WORKPLACE CHALLENGES: CYBERSECURITY

Theme: Should you protect the customer, the company, your colleagues or your professional integrity?

A. Choose your position

1. The security problem

You discover that your company has a serious computer security problem. Your manager tells you not to report it because fixing it would be expensive.

• Student A: Report the problem immediately. Protecting customers and employees is more important than money.

• Student B: Wait until the company has enough money to solve the problem. Reporting it immediately could create unnecessary panic.

2. The dishonest advertisement

Your company advertises its products as completely secure against cyberattacks.

You know that this is impossible to guarantee.

• Student A: Refuse to make misleading promises. Customers deserve honest information.

• Student B: Use strong marketing language because customers want to feel safe when buying technology.

3. The suspicious email

A colleague receives a suspicious email but opens it because they believe it is from the company director.

Your manager wants to dismiss the employee.

• Student A: Give the employee additional training because mistakes can happen.

• Student B: Dismiss the employee because computer security is everyone's responsibility.

4. The confidential information

A customer gives you confidential business information while you are working on a cybersecurity project.

Another company offers you a large amount of money if you share what you know.

• Student A: Refuse because professional confidentiality is essential.

• Student B: Consider accepting because the information could be commercially valuable.

5. The government surveillance system

Your government wants to introduce a system that monitors online communications to prevent cyberattacks.

• Student A: Support the system because national security and public safety are important.

• Student B: Oppose the system because people have a right to privacy.

6. The expensive security system

Your company wants to introduce a new security system, but it will cost €100,000.

Your manager asks you to choose between the new system and increasing employees' salaries.

• Student A: Invest in cybersecurity because one serious attack could cost the company much more.

• Student B: Prioritise employees because their motivation and performance are essential to business success.

7. The international cyberattack

Your company discovers information suggesting that a foreign organisation may be responsible for a cyberattack.

Your manager asks you to publish the information immediately.

• Student A: Wait for reliable evidence before making public accusations.

• Student B: Publish the information quickly because the public has a right to know.

8D. STUDENT A VS. STUDENT B: THE CYBERSECURITY DEBATE

Work in pairs. Choose one situation from the list.

Student A: The Security-Focused Professional

You believe cybersecurity, privacy, transparency and public safety must come first.

Student B: The Business-Focused Professional

You believe companies must protect their profits, reduce costs, satisfy customers and remain competitive.

Your objective is to convince your partner that your professional approach is the correct one.

You must include:

• At least three arguments supporting your position.

• Two arguments explaining why your partner's approach could be problematic.

• One example from a real or imaginary business.

• One possible compromise.

• A final statement explaining whether you would risk losing your job to defend your principles.

9. THE FINAL DEBATE: HOW MUCH TECHNOLOGY IS TOO MUCH?

Choose your professional philosophy

Which statement best represents your attitude towards technology and cybersecurity?

Choose one position and explain your answer.

1. Security comes first. I would rather use older technology than risk a serious cyberattack.

2. Innovation comes first. Businesses must accept certain risks if they want to develop.

3. Privacy comes first. Governments and companies should not have unlimited access to personal information.

4. Convenience comes first. Modern technology makes life easier, even if it creates some risks.

5. Public safety comes first. Hospitals, banks and essential services must have the strongest possible protection.

6. Personal responsibility comes first. Everyone should learn how to protect themselves online.

7. Government control comes first. Countries need strong laws to prevent cybercrime.

8. It depends on the situation. Technology should be used carefully, with appropriate security measures.

10. THE ETHICAL DILEMMA — WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Imagine you are working for a cybersecurity company or a large international business. Explain what you would do and why.

1. You discover that your company has a serious security problem. Your manager tells you to keep quiet because reporting it could damage the company's reputation.

2. Your company discovers that a customer's personal information has been stolen. The customer does not know about the attack. Should you inform them immediately?

3. Your manager asks you to install monitoring software on employees' computers without telling them.

4. A colleague accidentally causes a serious security problem. Nobody knows about it, and admitting the truth could cost them their job.

5. You receive an excellent job offer from a company that sells personal information to advertisers. The salary is twice your current salary.

6. Your government asks your company to provide information about its customers to help prevent cybercrime. However, some customers have not given permission.

7. You discover that a hospital has not invested enough money in cybersecurity. Its management refuses to spend more because the hospital is trying to reduce costs.

8. Your company has been attacked by hackers, but your manager wants to continue operating as normal without informing customers.

9. You discover that a foreign government may be responsible for a cyberattack, but the evidence is not completely clear.

10. Your company offers you a promotion, but you know that your new position would involve monitoring employees' private communications.

11. You discover that a colleague has been sharing confidential company information with a competitor. They are a close friend and have helped you professionally.

12. You are asked to work on a project that could improve national security but would also allow the government to monitor ordinary citizens.

11. WOULD YOU RATHER...?

Choose one option and explain your answer. Your partner must challenge your choice.

1. Would you rather have all your personal information protected but live without social media, or use social media freely but accept that your information could be shared?

2. Would you rather work for a technology company that pays €100,000 a year but has questionable business practices, or an ethical company that pays €35,000?

3. Would you rather have a completely digital bank account or keep all your money in a traditional bank?

4. Would you rather live in a smart city where everything is connected to the internet or a traditional city with less technology?

5. Would you rather lose your job for reporting a serious security problem or keep your job by staying silent?

6. Would you rather allow the government to monitor your online activities to prevent terrorism or protect your privacy completely?

7. Would you rather have a boss who is extremely demanding but very knowledgeable about cybersecurity or a friendly boss who knows very little about technology?

8. Would you rather receive large financial compensation after a cyberattack or know that your personal information had never been stolen?

9. Would you rather work for a company that develops artificial intelligence or one that specialises in protecting people from cybercrime?

10. Would you rather live without the internet for one month or have no electricity for one week?

11. Would you rather trust a computer system to manage a hospital or have humans make every important decision?

12. Would you rather be responsible for protecting a bank or a hospital against cyberattacks?

12. HIDDEN DANGERS: HOW DANGEROUS ARE THESE INTERNET-CONNECTED DEVICES?

Imagine that you are a cybersecurity expert. How dangerous could it be if hackers gained access to the following devices?

For each situation, discuss:

• What could go wrong?

• Who could be affected?

• How serious could the consequences be?

• What could people or companies do to reduce the risks?

1. Security cameras

Could hackers access private images or watch people inside their homes?

2. Smart door locks

Could people lose control of access to their homes or offices?

3. Smart speakers

Could private conversations or personal information become accessible to other people?

4. Internet-connected cars

Could computer problems affect drivers, passengers and road safety?

5. Medical devices

Could patients' treatment be affected by computer failures?

6. Payment apps

Could people lose money or have their financial information stolen?

7. Supermarket refrigerators

Could hackers damage thousands of euros worth of food?

8. Smart electricity meters

Could problems with connected electricity systems affect homes and businesses?

9. Airport information systems

Could passengers experience serious delays if computer systems stopped working?

10. Water treatment systems

Could a cyberattack affect the water supply of an entire city?