From supermarket fridges to passenger flights, a wave of threats is testing Europe’s defenses

A series of cyberattacks, suspected hoax bomb threats and possible sabotage has disrupted services across Europe, raising concerns about the continent’s ability to protect everyday infrastructure. Experts say such disruption can carry political and security consequences beyond its immediate economic cost, amid heightened geopolitical tensions and unrest.

Hackers manipulated supermarket refrigeration systems, leading to spoiled food being discarded, and French blood-bank refrigeration was later targeted in what appeared to be a similar incident. Suspected hoax threats disrupted dozens of flights, prompting diversions and some fighter jet escorts; threats also targeted Sky News and RTÉ. Authorities have not identified those responsible or established whether the incidents were connected. RUSI researcher Sidharth Kaushal said that, if Russia were behind them, the aim could be to make the costs of Europe’s support for Ukraine felt at home.