Cyber-attack hits supermarket freezers in seven European countries
Sabcobel CEO says units were switched to defrost mode, causing temperatures to rise as food losses are reported.
Dozens of supermarkets in seven European nations have been targeted by a cyber-attack that disrupted refrigeration and freezer systems, according to BBC News. The affected countries include Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Finland.
Sabcobel CEO Stephan Moelans told the Belga news agency that the company worked through the night to disconnect impacted units from the network. Moelans stated that the units' evaporators were switched to defrost mode, causing temperatures to rise as high as 50C.
In Belgium, approximately 40 Delhaize supermarkets were affected. A Delhaize branch in Hoeilaart reported losing €100,000 worth of produce, while Carrefour said 15 of its Belgian stores were impacted. Colruyt Group, which operates Spar stores, reported that five shops were attacked.
The attack also hit several stores in Sweden, including seven Coop locations and a small number of ICA stores. In Ireland, 13 SuperValu supermarkets were impacted, while a spokesperson for Musgrave Group said the incident was limited to a specific refrigerator model.
In the Netherlands, manufacturer Danfoss told NOS that at least 17 companies were attacked, affecting butcher shops and small stores. A Selver supermarket in Estonia was also affected, according to ERR.
National cyber-security agencies in Belgium and Sweden are monitoring the situation. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre said it is working with international partners to understand the details of the incident, though no UK stores have been affected.