Very cold war: Who’s attacking Europe’s supermarket freezers?

What the report says

Supermarket refrigeration systems in several European countries have been hit by a cyberattack that caused freezers and cold stores to overheat, damaging large quantities of food. Al Jazeera reported that the incidents affected more than 100 shops across multiple countries, with some retailers describing IT problems, refrigeration failures or partial shutdowns. The affected businesses included Delhaize stores in Belgium and Luxembourg, Carrefour locations in Belgium, Colruyt-run Spar franchises, Sweden’s Coop, an IKEA site in Belgium, a Belgian butchery chain, and a wholesaler in Ireland. Earlier attacks in France last month also spoiled food and damaged equipment.

The exact method used in the attacks was not fully clear from the report, but cybersecurity experts said internet-connected refrigeration systems can be accessed remotely if they are poorly secured or not properly updated. In some cases, temperatures were raised high enough to ruin food and, in reported instances, damage or even set off fires in equipment. The motive remains unknown, although European officials said the pattern appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt food supplies and shake consumer confidence.

Authorities in Belgium have opened a criminal investigation, but no group has claimed responsibility. The story also noted that similar refrigeration problems have been reported in the United States at military facilities, where officials suspected hacking. The wider concern is that more digitised food and retail systems may be vulnerable to cyberattacks that create real-world disruptions even when broader food security is not immediately at risk.