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European supermarket chains are strengthening their cybersecurity systems after hackers remotely manipulated refrigeration units across eight countries, forcing retailers to discard chilled and frozen food. The incidents have exposed weaknesses in internet-connected store equipment, prompting businesses to review network access, install security updates and disconnect vulnerable devices.
Retailers are reviewing their networks, installing security updates and restricting remote access to refrigeration equipment to prevent further incidents.
Swedish retailer Coop said it was moving from 4G connections to 5G networks and newer modems, a process that began after an earlier attack in France. Seven of its stores were affected in the latest incident. Although operations have resumed, those locations have disconnected their refrigeration systems from the internet.
Another Swedish chain, ICA, reported that all 23 affected stores had refrigeration equipment operating outside its centrally managed network. Carrefour confirmed that 15 stores in Belgium were targeted. German supermarket operator Edeka also reported an incident at a store in Reisbach.
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Danfoss, a software and refrigeration technology provider whose systems were among those targeted, has advised retailers not to make refrigeration controllers directly accessible through the internet.
Cybersecurity experts are urging businesses to identify vulnerable equipment, install the latest updates, and check whether manufacturers still support their systems. Disconnecting exposed devices can limit further attacks, but it does not eliminate underlying security weaknesses.
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The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has called for faster information-sharing and coordinated responses among member states. In Sweden, police have received around 10 reports related to the incidents and expect more complaints. Britain's National Cyber Security Center also said hackers attempted to target small meat-processing businesses, although the impact was limited.
The incidents highlight how older connected equipment can become an entry point for cybercriminals. As supermarkets increasingly depend on remotely managed systems, securing operational technology is becoming as important as protecting traditional IT networks.