Why Europe’s supermarket fridges were easy targets

A second cyberattack in three weeks targeted supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe, allowing attackers to raise fridge temperatures and forcing retailers to discard spoiled food. The incidents have raised concerns about food security and exposed risks in systems that can be accessed remotely.

Retailers affected include Carrefour and Delhaize in Belgium, and ICA and Coop in Sweden; three French blood banks were also hit. Authorities have not identified the perpetrators or disclosed how they gained access, but cybersecurity researcher Laurens Singier said exposed internet connections, unchanged default passwords and outdated software can leave industrial devices vulnerable. He advised retailers to review connections, strengthen passwords and consider more secure alternatives such as SIM-based systems.