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Cyberattacks disrupt supermarket refrigeration in four European countries
Cyberattacks have disrupted refrigeration systems at supermarkets in Sweden, Belgium and Luxembourg, causing temperatures to rise and food to spoil. The incidents raise concerns that the attacks may be spreading across Europe, following a large-scale episode in France last month.
In Sweden, ICA said a limited number of stores were affected and Coop reported incidents at six locations; the national cyber-security centre is investigating several cases. Belgian media reported effects at Delhaize and butcher shop De Laet & Van Haver, while Carrefour Belgium said 15 stores were hit. In France, Carrefour reported 80 affected supermarkets, Monoprix said about 5 per cent of its roughly 490 stores were affected, and Intermarché said around 150 stores’ fridges warmed to 50°C for six hours; its chief executive estimated losses could reach tens of millions of euros nationwide. Estonia’s Kitman Coldtech said a quick response prevented damage at an unnamed supermarket chain.
In short
- Cyberattacks disrupted supermarket refrigeration across several European countries.
- Some systems reached 50°C, spoiling food that had to be discarded.
- France’s previous incident affected hundreds of stores and caused major losses.
Explained simply
Supermarket refrigeration systems keep chilled and frozen food at safe temperatures, often using computer-controlled equipment that stores can monitor remotely. A cyberattack on the systems can interrupt that control, allowing temperatures to rise and food to spoil.
The affected businesses include supermarket chains and food retailers in several European countries. Companies such as ICA, Coop, Carrefour and Delhaize operate large networks of shops, while refrigeration suppliers such as Estonia’s Kitman Coldtech help provide or manage the equipment.
These incidents matter because supermarkets depend on reliable refrigeration to protect food and limit waste. When systems fail across multiple stores, retailers may face substantial losses and need to check whether their networks and suppliers are secure.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Cyber attackers defrost freezers in Swedish and Belgian supermarkets weeks after similar attack that cost shops millions in France”.