Fridges hacked, food spoiled: Cyberattack disrupts supermarkets across Europe

Belgian grocery stores and an Ikea superstore experienced unusually high refrigerator temperatures on Monday, indicating a potential cyberattack, according to various retailers. This incident adds to a growing list of cyberattacks targeting supermarkets across Europe. Swedish supermarkets Ica and Coop reported their refrigerators and freezers overheating, leading to the disposal of spoiled food and raising concerns about food security.

Carrefour Belgium, in turn, reported disruptions in approximately 15 of its 700 stores, confirming the cyberattack was responsible. Ikea Belgium suffered a similar incident in its Mons store, with freezers temperatures suddenly rising, affecting the only affected store due to a different service provider. Delhaize, another affected retailer, did not specify the cause but confirmed the cyberattack led to empty refrigerators and freezers, expressing sincere apologies.

Other supermarket chains, including Colruyt and Intermarche, also reported technical issues affecting fridges in several stores, though they could not confirm if a cyberattack was the cause. The problem extends beyond Belgium, with Swedish chains ICA and Coop investigating their temperature soars and disposing of contaminated food.

Over 500 supermarkets were targeted in the French attack on October 12, with equipment supplied by Danish company Danfoss.