Cyberattack Hits Supermarket Refrigeration Systems Across Europe
Supermarkets across Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and Estonia have reported cyberattacks targeting their refrigeration and freezer systems, causing temperatures to rise in several stores. Retailers Ahold Delhaize and Colruyt confirmed that an IT incident affected cooling systems in dozens of stores overnight. Belgian SPAR outlets were also among those impacted, with five stores reporting attacks on their refrigeration systems.
In Sweden, grocery chains ICA and Coop reported similar incidents, with six Coop stores affected. One ICA store said hackers had changed refrigerator and freezer temperatures to 50°C, while another reported that all its freezers had stopped working. Sweden’s National Cybersecurity Centre is investigating multiple incidents involving refrigeration systems across the country. An Estonian supermarket chain also experienced a similar attack.
The incidents follow a major cyberattack in France last month, when hackers reportedly took control of refrigeration units at hundreds of supermarkets, causing food losses and fires. Experts warn that remotely connected devices, including refrigerators, heating systems and security cameras, are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. Authorities have not yet identified those responsible for the latest attacks.
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