Cyberattack hits refrigeration systems at dozens of European supermarkets
A cyberattack targeting refrigeration systems has disrupted dozens of supermarkets across Europe, spoiling food and raising fears of further incidents.
Key Takeaways
AIDozens of supermarkets in several European countries have been hit by a cyberattack targeting their refrigeration and cooling systems, causing temperatures to rise and large quantities of food to spoil, amid concerns of a repeat of a similar incident that occurred in France weeks ago.
Reuters reported that a new attack on supermarket refrigeration systems took place on Monday in Linkebeek, near the Belgian capital Brussels, with the impact spreading to retail chains in Belgium, Sweden, and Ireland.
Belgian media said that "temperatures in some refrigerators rose to 70 degrees Celsius, resulting in food spoilage valued at around 100,000 euros."
In Belgium, the incident affected about 40 Delhaize stores, 15 Carrefour locations, five Spar outlets, and facilities belonging to the butcher group De Laet & Van Haver.
A Delhaize spokesperson told Euronews that "the company detected a technical incident affecting refrigeration systems at dozens of stores," adding that immediate measures were taken to keep branches operational.
The problem also spread to other European countries, with similar malfunctions reported at several Swedish ICA stores. Ireland's Musgrave Group, which owns the SuperValu chain, said 13 of its stores were affected by a suspected related cyberattack. In Luxembourg, Delhaize suspended its ordering systems as a precaution.