Cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems disrupts stores across Europe
Retailers in Belgium, Estonia, Sweden and Ireland reported spoiled food after hackers remotely raised fridge and freezer temperatures.
A suspected cyberattack targeting supermarket refrigeration systems has affected stores in Belgium, Estonia, Sweden and Ireland, according to the Times of India.
The incident, which occurred between Sunday and Monday, involved hackers remotely raising temperatures in fridges and freezers, forcing retailers to discard large amounts of spoiled food.
In Belgium, Delhaize and Carrefour reported problems, with approximately 40 Delhaize outlets and 15 Carrefour stores affected. One Delhaize branch reportedly lost €100,000 worth of food after refrigeration units were set to 70 degrees Celsius.
Carrefour Belgium spokesman Mich Vergauwen stated there was no explanation for the incident other than a cyberattack, though he noted the impact was limited. Delhaize also confirmed an IT incident involving refrigeration systems and said they took measures to remain operational.
In Sweden, ICA and Coop supermarkets were impacted. An ICA store in Sjöbo reported temperatures being set to 50 degrees Celsius. Seven Coop stores were also affected, though the retailer said the situation was under control.
In Ireland, Musgrave reported that 13 SuperValu stores were hit. In Estonia, a hacker changed a freezer setting at a Selver supermarket to 50 degrees Celsius, though the retailer said no product damage occurred.
European commissioner for agriculture and food Christophe Hansen said the attacks were a deliberate attempt to disrupt the European Union food supply. He noted that while food security is not currently at risk, the impact on businesses and food waste are real.