Suspected Cyberattack on Smart Refrigeration Systems Spreads Across Europe Hitting Supermarkets in Seven Countries

Supermarkets in at least seven European countries, including Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Estonia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Finland, suffered suspected cyberattacks on Monday that caused sudden and severe temperature changes in refrigeration and freezer systems, resulting in widespread food spoilage. Swedish stores reported freezer temperatures being raised to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), mirroring conditions seen in earlier attacks. The incidents appear to be spreading as the day progressed, according to reports.

The attacks follow a similar but reportedly more widespread incident in France roughly two weeks earlier, in which hackers remotely accessed refrigeration systems at major chains including Carrefour, Monoprix, Intermarche, and Cooperative U, affecting around 700 food retailers. In that earlier episode, overheated units sparked fires in some stores and caused the loss of large quantities of fresh and frozen goods. No group has claimed responsibility for either wave of attacks, and the absence of ransom demands has led analysts to suggest disruption rather than financial gain may be the primary motive.

The apparent targeting of internet-connected, or "smart," refrigeration infrastructure across multiple countries points to a coordinated campaign against a shared vulnerability in supermarket supply chains across Europe.