Cyberattack Disables Supermarket Freezers In European Countries

Supermarket chains across several European countries were hit by a major cyberattack on Monday, disrupting freezer and refrigeration systems. Thousands of euros’ worth of chilled and frozen foods and seafood have been lost in the incident, although no reports have yet confirmed the destruction of frozen or chilled tuna. The temperature of freezers in some stores across Europe reportedly rose to as high as 50C (122F).

Beyond France, where retailers experienced a similar cyberattack in early October, supermarket freezers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, Germany and Portugal were also affected. Retailers including Ahold Delhaize, Carrefour, Coop, ICA Sweden and Ikea were among those impacted. Supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe are commonly connected to the internet, allowing maintenance and troubleshooting to be carried out remotely. The perpetrators have not been identified, and no group has claimed responsibility, according to international media reports.