Cyber-attack hits supermarket freezers in seven European countries
Refrigeration systems in several nations were compromised, causing temperatures to rise as high as 50C in some locations.
Dozens of supermarkets across seven European nations have been targeted by a cyber-attack that affected their cooling and freezing units, according to BBC News. The incident impacted stores in Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Finland.
Stephan Moelans, CEO of Sabcobel, told the Belga news agency on Monday that the company had been working to disconnect the affected units from the network. Moelans, whose company operates systems for Delhaize, said the units required physical modifications rather than just software updates to protect against the vulnerability.
In Belgium, approximately 40 Delhaize supermarkets were affected, while a Delhaize branch in Hoeilaart reported losing €100,000 worth of produce. Carrefour stated that 15 of its Belgian stores were hit, and a spokesperson for Colruyt Group, which operates Spar stores, said five shops were attacked.
The attack also reached Sweden, where an ICA branch in Sjöbo reported temperatures rising to 50C. Seven Coop stores in Sweden were affected, and Ikea confirmed its Mons store in Belgium was impacted. In Ireland, 13 SuperValu supermarkets were affected, with Musgrave Group stating the incident was limited to a specific refrigerator model.
In the Netherlands, Danfoss reported that at least 17 companies were attacked, including butcher shops and small stores. A Selver supermarket in Estonia was also affected. National cyber-security agencies in Belgium and Sweden are monitoring the situation, while the UK's National Cyber Security Centre is working with international partners to understand the details.