Summary
- Seven Coop stores affected by the latest attack have resumed operations but their refrigeration systems have been disconnected from the internet as a precaution.
- He said disconnecting affected systems could prevent further interference although it would not address the underlying security weaknesses.
- The company said its independently operated outlets did not all use standardised refrigeration systems.
European supermarkets are upgrading their cybersecurity systems after a fresh wave of attacks disrupted refrigeration units across eight countries forcing retailers to discard large quantities of food and raising concerns about vulnerabilities in connected equipment.
The attacks took place on Monday, November 2 and followed a similar incident in France three weeks earlier when dozens of supermarkets were affected. Hackers reportedly manipulated refrigerator and freezer temperatures disrupting food storage and creating potential safety risks.
In Sweden supermarket chain Coop said it was strengthening its systems by switching from 4G connections to 5G networks and installing modern modems. The company said the process had already begun following the earlier incident in France.
Seven Coop stores affected by the latest attack have resumed operations but their refrigeration systems have been disconnected from the internet as a precaution. The retailer is also reviewing its wider network to identify possible security weaknesses.
Software provider Danfoss whose systems were among those targeted said it had remained in contact with customers to help them respond to the incidents. The company recommended preventing refrigeration systems from being directly accessible through the internet.
Cybersecurity expert Frank Groenewegen of Deloitte advised retailers to check whether their refrigeration controllers were vulnerable install the latest security updates and ensure their equipment remained supported by manufacturers. He said disconnecting affected systems could prevent further interference although it would not address the underlying security weaknesses.
Swedish retailer ICA reported that all 23 stores affected on Monday had refrigeration equipment connected outside its centrally managed network. Police have received around 10 reports related to the incidents with further complaints expected.
In Germany supermarket operator Edeka confirmed that a store in Reisbach had been affected. The company said its independently operated outlets did not all use standardised refrigeration systems.
French retailer Carrefour also faced another incident with 15 stores in Belgium targeted on Monday. The company had previously reported attacks affecting 80 franchised stores in France.
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) said the incidents highlighted the need for cooperation between European countries rapid information-sharing and coordinated responses to cyber threats.
Meanwhile, Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre said hackers had attempted to target small meat-processing businesses although the impact was limited. Officials warned that outdated technology could leave critical systems increasingly exposed to cyberattacks.
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