Cyberattacks hit supermarket freezers and fridges in 7 European countries; temperatures rose to around 50°C
According to JETRO, cyberattacks apparently targeting supermarket freezing and refrigeration equipment hit seven European countries on November 2, including Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden. In some cases temperatures inside units rose to around 50°C and large amounts of food were thrown away. Any shop whose cooling equipment is remotely controlled over the internet should take note.
Key points
- On November 2, apparent attacks on refrigeration equipment occurred in seven European countries; temperatures reached around 50°C in some cases
- About 40 Delhaize-group supermarkets in Belgium and Luxembourg were affected; several ICA and Coop stores in Sweden also discarded food
- Sweden’s national cybersecurity centre urged operators to identify internet-connected devices, review whether they need to be connected, and keep them updated
Background
In France, a similar attack on refrigeration equipment at hundreds of retail outlets on October 12 reportedly caused large losses of fresh and frozen food. France’s CERT-FR issued a warning about numerous compromises of remote-control units for refrigeration equipment from makers including Danfoss, Copeland and Dixell.
Swedish authorities note that many operators run older control and monitoring systems that are increasingly networked, making updates difficult and raising the risk of intrusion.
What it means for shops
Remote monitoring and control of fridges and freezers is convenient, but any unit connected to the internet can become an entry point. For restaurants, food retailers and food makers, a shutdown or temperature spike translates directly into discarded stock.
What shops should do
- List which of your fridges, freezers and temperature monitors are connected to the internet
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.