Hackers Target Supermarket Fridges Across Europe, Temperatures Soar to 50°C Overnight
Millions of Euros Worth of Food Feared Lost in Suspected Cyberattacks Across Seven Countries.
Hackers are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, and this time, their focus has shifted from computers, mobile phones and banking systems to supermarket refrigerators and freezers. A series of suspected cyberattacks across Europe has disrupted refrigeration systems in supermarkets, causing temperatures to rise to as high as 50°C (122°F) overnight and putting large quantities of perishable food at risk.
The unusual incidents were reported on Monday across at least seven European countries, including Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden. Several supermarket outlets experienced disruptions to their refrigeration and freezer systems, raising concerns over the safety and storage of fresh and frozen food products.
Initially suspected to be technical malfunctions, the incidents were later linked to possible cyberattacks, with several retail companies confirming that their refrigeration systems had been hacked. The developments have raised concerns that cybercriminals may now be targeting internet-connected equipment that plays a crucial role in everyday operations.
In Sweden, six stores belonging to supermarket chain Coop were reportedly affected. Retailer ICA also confirmed that a limited number of its outlets experienced overnight disruptions to their refrigeration and freezer systems. The country’s National Cybersecurity Centre is investigating the incidents.
Meanwhile, Dutch retail giant Ahold Delhaize reported similar problems at dozens of its supermarkets in Belgium and Luxembourg. The disruptions temporarily restricted the availability of fresh and frozen products in affected stores, although the company’s distribution centres continued operating normally.
According to Belgian media reports, dozens of supermarkets and retail outlets were affected, including Spar, Shop & Go and Proxy Delhaize stores. Other major supermarket chains, including Colruyt, Intermarché and Carrefour Belgium, also reported refrigeration-related disruptions at several outlets.
The incidents have triggered concern at the European Union level. EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen described the repeated cyberattacks as deeply concerning, warning that they could represent a deliberate attempt to disrupt the food supply chain and undermine consumer confidence.
This is not the first such incident in Europe. Last month, hackers reportedly seized control of refrigeration systems in as many as 700 supermarkets in France. Temperatures in refrigerators and freezers rose to 50°C, resulting in fires and food losses estimated at tens of millions of euros.
Cybersecurity experts warn that the growing use of internet-connected devices has created new vulnerabilities. Modern refrigeration systems, central heating units and other smart appliances can be monitored and controlled remotely, potentially allowing attackers to interfere with their operations.
The scale of the vulnerability has also raised concerns in the United Kingdom. Researchers from UK Cyber Defence have identified more than 800 refrigeration and building-control interfaces associated with British retailers that could be accessed through the public internet.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European authorities have become increasingly concerned about cyber and hybrid attacks targeting critical infrastructure. Disruptions to essential services, including food distribution and storage, could have serious consequences for businesses, the economy and ordinary consumers.
However, the identity of those responsible for the latest incidents remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether organised hacking groups or other actors were involved and what motivated the attacks.
