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Pentagon probes overnight sabotage of food supply at 14 US military bases as hackers exploit global loophole
The Pentagon is investigating suspected cyber sabotage that disrupted refrigeration at commissary grocery stores on six US military bases in August. The incidents matter because food stocks were damaged and the investigation may be linked to similar attacks on supermarkets across Europe.
Researchers logged reports from as many as 14 US bases, though the Pentagon has not identified suspects. At one base, freezers warmed overnight and food thawed; the Defense Commissary Agency moved stock to other refrigerated sites, while affected stores stayed open, sometimes selling only dry goods. European incidents include more than 50 stores in Belgium and about 700 supermarkets in France, where officials said there was no threat to national food supplies.
In short
- The Pentagon is probing suspected freezer sabotage at military grocery stores.
- Reports were logged at up to 14 US bases.
- Similar refrigeration attacks have hit supermarkets across Europe.
Explained simply
US military bases often have commissary stores, which sell groceries to service members, their families and other eligible shoppers. These stores rely on refrigeration to keep fresh and frozen food safe, and the Defense Commissary Agency runs them.
The reported incidents involve disrupted refrigeration at stores on several bases, with some food stocks moved or lost. Researchers have also logged reports from European supermarkets, but officials have said the French incidents did not threaten national food supplies.
The Pentagon is investigating who or what caused the disruption and whether the events are connected. The inquiry matters because it concerns food access on military bases and the security of systems used by grocery stores.
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