Cyber-attacks disrupt supermarket refrigeration in nine European countries

Cyber-attacks affecting supermarket refrigeration systems in at least nine European countries have raised concern that food supplies could be deliberately disrupted. Retailers have reported spoiled food after freezer temperatures climbed sharply, while EU officials warned that the incidents underline the vulnerability of essential services.

Stores in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden reported problems; temperatures in some refrigeration units reached 50C. No one has claimed responsibility, and investigations are under way. The attacks followed a separate incident three weeks earlier that disrupted up to 700 French grocery stores, with food losses estimated at tens of millions of euros. Officials have not attributed the latest incidents to a specific actor.