Cyber-attack hits supermarket freezers in seven European countries
Sabcobel CEO Stephan Moelans said the attack caused refrigeration units to switch to defrost mode, leading to food spoilage.
Dozens of supermarkets across seven European countries have been targeted by a cyber-attack that affected their refrigeration and freezing systems, according to BBC News. The incident impacted shops in Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Finland.
Sabcobel CEO Stephan Moelans told the Belga news agency on Monday that the attack was a cyber-attack. He stated that the company worked through the night and morning to disconnect the impacted units from the network. Moelans noted that the units required physical modifications rather than just software updates to protect against the vulnerability.
In Belgium, approximately 40 Delhaize supermarkets were affected. A Delhaize branch in Hoeilaart reported a loss of €100,000 worth of produce. Carrefour stated that 15 of its Belgian stores were hit, while a spokesperson for Colruyt Group said five Spar stores were attacked.
Ikea also reported that its Mons store in Belgium was affected.
In Sweden, seven Coop stores and a small number of ICA stores were impacted. An ICA branch in Sjöbo reported that temperatures in its units rose to 50C. 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.
The national cyber-security agencies of Belgium and Sweden are monitoring the situation. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre said it is working with international partners and industry to understand the details of the incident, though no incidents have been reported in the UK.