European supermarkets targeted in second reported cyberattack
Supermarkets across Europe have been targeted in apparent cyberattacks once again. Three weeks after a defrosting attack in France, supermarkets in Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg and Estonia reported freezer malfunctions.
Supermarkets in Belgium, Estonia, Luxembourg, and Sweden reported issues with their freezer systems on Monday, similar to a cyberattack in France three weeks earlier. The attack caused some refrigeration systems to defrost, spoiling food and impacting businesses. Swedish chains ICA and Coop announced that a limited number of stores were affected, while Dutch chain Ahold Delhaize reported IT issues in several Belgian and Luxembourg stores.
Carrefour, Intermarche, and Spar were also targeted. Belgian prosecutors launched a criminal investigation. European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen called the attacks "a deliberate attempt to disrupt Europe's food supplies." The incidents highlighted the potential for cyberattacks to disrupt services, affect businesses, and impact citizens' daily lives.
Sweden's National Cybersecurity Center is investigating the issue, noting the need to update or patch exposed operational technology devices.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- More European supermarkets are getting their freezers hacked theverge.com
- European supermarkets targeted in second reported cyberattack dw.com
- Fresh wave of fridge cyberattacks hits European supermarkets france24.com
- Supermarket freezers in 4 European countries hit by apparent cyberattack globalnews.ca
