Cyberattacks target European supermarket refrigeration systems

Grocery stores across at least seven European countries were hit by suspected cyberattacks targeting freezer and refrigeration systems on Monday. The incidents have caused food spoilage, forcing retailers to discard produce and restock units with fresh items.

Affected Regions and Retailers

Reports indicate that supermarkets in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden were among those affected.

• Belgium: Carrefour Belgium reported disruption in approximately 15 of its 700 stores. IKEA reported a cyberattack at its Mons store. Chains Delhaize, Colruyt, and Intermarche also reported technical problems. Delhaize reported that four of its stores in Luxembourg were affected.
• Sweden: Coop confirmed six of its approximately 800 stores were hit. The ICA chain reported that a "limited number" of its stores experienced refrigeration problems.
• Ireland: Musgrave, the owner of Supervalu, said 13 of its stores were affected.
• Denmark: The Confederation of Danish Industry reported that a Danish food producer was targeted.
• Estonia: At least one supermarket was attacked, with hackers reportedly raising temperatures in refrigeration units to 50C, according to ERR.
• Finland: The Kesko group reported irregular temperatures in a few smaller grocery stores.
• Netherlands: At least 17 Dutch businesses, including butcher shops and a frozen food storage facility, were targeted, according to Danfoss.

Official Responses and Investigations

EU food and agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen stated that the attacks represent "a deliberate attempt to disrupt our food supply chain and undermine consumers' confidence in it." Hansen noted that while "food security is not currently at risk," the impact on businesses and food waste is real.

In Belgium, prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the matter.

Technical Details and Vulnerabilities

Several reports suggest a link to previous incidents. This event occurred three weeks after a cyberattack caused mass disruption in French grocery stores on October 12.

Danfoss, a Danish manufacturer, stated that the affected systems in the Netherlands used default passwords and were outside secure networks. Danfoss also noted that most equipment affected in the previous French attack consisted of "legacy" products that "no longer receive software or security updates."

In Sweden, Coop spokesman Carlos Cancino noted that the affected stores were connected to a 4G mobile network rather than an updated 5G system, which made them "more exposed" to hackers.

---

Sources

• france24.com: EU says fridge attacks 'deliberate attempt to disrupt' bloc's food supply - France 24
• trtworld.com: European supermarkets hit by cyberattack targeting refrigeration systems - TRT World
• aa.com.tr: 8 European countries report suspected cyberattacks on refrigeration systems
• investing.com: EU fridge cyberattacks aim to disrupt food supply, official says By Investing.com
• in.investing.com: EU fridge cyberattacks aim to disrupt food supply, official says By Investing.com

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.