Europe braced for surge in cyber and psychological warfare
France summoned Iran's ambassador over a supermarket hacking incident while the UK urged citizens to stockpile supplies amid rising security threats.
By Hassan Ellis ·
European nations are preparing for an increased volume of cyberattacks and psychological operations.
French authorities reportedly acted on US intelligence when they summoned Iran's ambassador in late October. The meeting addressed the previous month's hacking of hundreds of supermarket refrigerators. Those units overheated, and 15 caught fire.
The diplomatic move occurred while Iran seeks to reduce its international isolation. France is currently focused on defending Gulf states and maintaining its regional influence.
Security officials in Europe face multiple threats simultaneously. Hackers and bomb threats have rattled the continent in recent weeks. These events coincide with European representatives competing for a role in US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi.
The European coalition of the willing is conducting military drills in Poland. These exercises test whether a force led by France and the UK can deter Russia or enforce a future peace deal.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey launched a campaign called Be Prepared. It encourages citizens to store canned goods, pet food, bottled water, medical supplies, and spare cash for major emergencies. Some French presidential candidates have called the measures fearmongering.
