UK meat processing firms hit amid fridge and freezer cyber attacks

Developing story first seen 22 hours ago

The Independent · 22 hours ago

UK meat-processing firms have been affected by cyber attacks linked to hackers targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe. The National Cyber Security Centre said the impact in Britain was minimal, but the incidents highlight how weaknesses in connected equipment can affect businesses across the food supply chain.

A few of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers’ roughly 300 members reported fridges heating up overnight, but the units were empty and no meat was lost. The NCSC said it had alerted a handful of UK organisations with vulnerable technology and was aware of a couple of cases where it had been exploited; the full impact and who was responsible remain unclear. The attacks on French supermarket fridges involved older internet-connected technology with default passwords, and officials urged businesses to update software and prepare contingency plans.

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In short

A few UK meat processors were affected by attacks on refrigeration systems.
Fridges heated up, but no meat was lost.
The NCSC is alerting firms to vulnerable technology.

How this story developed

3 hours ago UK meat-processing firms have suffered cyber attacks after hackers targeted supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe, prompting the National Cyber Security Centre to work with affected businesses.
4 hours ago UK meat-processing firms have been affected by cyber attacks linked to hackers targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe.

Explained simply

Refrigeration systems in supermarkets and food businesses can be connected to the internet so staff can monitor and control them remotely. Older equipment may be harder to secure, especially if it still uses default passwords or has not received updates.

The National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, advises organisations on protecting computer systems and responds to cyber threats. Meat processors depend on reliable refrigeration to keep food at safe temperatures, while supermarkets and other essential services also rely on connected equipment.

Ransomware is a type of attack that can lock or disrupt computer systems, often in an attempt to demand money. The NCSC has warned that cyber criminals may increasingly use artificial intelligence to find targets, adding pressure on organisations to secure older technology.