Cyberattack on Supermarket Fridges Triggers EU Warning Across Europe

A cyberattack hit supermarket refrigeration systems in nine European countries on Monday. The European Union warned of a deliberate attempt to disrupt the food supply chain. In Sweden, Coop and Ica stores experienced fridge and freezer failures.

Swedish supermarket chain Coop confirmed that six of its stores suffered disruptions. A spokesman said the affected stores used older 4G mobile networks instead of 5G. Swedish retailer Ica also reported refrigeration problems in a limited number of outlets.

Affected Ica stores used external temperature systems from Danish manufacturer Danfoss. The same supplier was targeted during an October cyberattack on French grocery stores. In Estonia, hackers raised fridge temperatures in one supermarket to 50 degrees Celsius.

Stores in Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Portugal also reported disruptions. In Belgium, dozens of stores faced refrigeration failures. Ikea reported temperature rises in its freezer section at a Belgian location.

EU Food Commissioner Christophe Hansen called the attacks a serious warning for consumer confidence. Authorities in several nations opened investigations into the incidents. No group has claimed responsibility for the cyberattacks so far.