Simultaneous cyberattacks targeting refrigeration and freezing equipment have occurred at supermarkets across Europe, with attackers remotely raising temperatures. The incidents have forced food to be discarded and equipment to be shut down, and total losses could reach tens of millions of euros.
Simultaneous hacking incidents targeting refrigeration and freezing equipment have been confirmed at supermarkets in 7 European countries. Stores operated by Sweden's ICA and Coop, as well as Delhaize and Carrefour in Belgium and Luxembourg, were reportedly among the targets, according to Reuters and other sources.
The attacks involved remotely raising the temperature of cooling equipment to as high as 50°C in the early hours of the morning. Some companies were forced to discard food in their stores. The incidents have also been linked to around 700 cases last month involving the same method, including at Carrefour in France.
The identity and motive of the attackers remain unclear. Unlike conventional organized crime aimed at stealing money, the apparent focus on disrupting food distribution networks has drawn attention. European Union officials and security experts have suggested that the attacks may be intended to disrupt Europe's food supply chain.
The incidents have renewed concerns about the risks of remotely controlling IoT devices, while the development of AI technology has raised fears that attacks on devices, including household appliances, could expand. Experts warn that intrusions could spread to low-cost, low-capability devices.