Cyber-attack targets supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe

OPA WIRE, Nov 2 (OPA) — Dozens of supermarkets across Europe reported a coordinated cyber-attack overnight that targeted temperature control systems in refrigerators and freezers. The incident impacted approximately 40 Delhaize stores in Belgium and Luxembourg, alongside multiple ICA and Coop locations in Sweden and 13 SuperValu shops in Ireland. Retailers confirmed that unauthorized access led to extreme temperature fluctuations, with one Swedish ICA store reporting that freezer settings were remotely adjusted to 50 C (122 F).

Financial losses are mounting as stores discard spoiled produce. A Delhaize branch in Hoeilaart, Belgium, estimated losses at €100,000, excluding additional costs from operational closures. While Carrefour reported that 15 of its Belgian stores were affected, the company stated that mitigation measures allowed those locations to remain open. ICA officials in Sweden confirmed the breach affected stores operating outside their central network and stated they are currently assisting those branches with recovery efforts.

This incident follows a similar wave of attacks last month that disrupted operations at hundreds of French supermarkets. National cybersecurity agencies in both Belgium and Sweden have launched investigations and are monitoring the situation to determine the origin of the breach. While the scale of the disruption is significant, companies like Coop in Sweden have reported that the situation is now contained and under control.

Retailers are currently conducting security audits to prevent further unauthorized access to their climate control infrastructure. The coordinated nature of the attacks suggests a sophisticated attempt to disrupt food supply chains, though no group has yet claimed responsibility. Authorities continue to analyze the digital signatures of the breach to identify the perpetrators behind the remote temperature tampering.