Growing cyberattacks on supermarket fridges raise concerns
AgenciesMysterious cyberattacks on European supermarket fridges have sent officials around the continent scrambling to figure out the cold, hard facts.Supermarkets in a number of E...
A surge of cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe has raised alarm among officials and experts. The incidents, involving at least six countries including Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, Italy, and Estonia, have resulted in significant financial losses due to spoiled food. In Sweden, a supermarket had its fridges and freezers hacked and set to a scorching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
Similar issues were reported in a French butcher shop where temperature settings were raised to a staggering 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit). Cybersecurity experts warn that the attacks underscore the risks associated with the increasing number of internet-connected devices in homes and businesses. Katerina Mitrokotsa, a cybersecurity professor, emphasized that "a fridge doesn’t look like a security risk, and that’s exactly why attackers like it."
The cyberattacks appear to leverage outdated remote control modules, particularly from Danish company Danfoss and US-based Copeland, which often lack necessary software and security updates. This pattern mirrors a previous cyberattack that affected hundreds of supermarkets and independent stores in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The incidents highlight the growing dependence of businesses on interconnected systems for monitoring, alerts, energy savings, and remote troubleshooting of refrigeration units. However, the same interconnectedness exposes these systems to potential security breaches. Experts note that many organizations fail to adequately secure their IT infrastructure, relying on outdated hardware and default passwords.
British officials pointed to "legacy technology" as the cause of the latest attack, emphasizing the importance of addressing cyber hygiene issues such as weak passwords. While investigations are ongoing, no specific perpetrator has been identified. The European Union's executive Commission is also addressing the issue, with officials from member states meeting to discuss protective measures.
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