Why Are Hackers Targeting Supermarket Fridges Across Europe?

Supermarkets across eight European countries strengthen cybersecurity after hackers manipulate refrigeration systems, forcing stores to discard large quantities of food.

Supermarkets across eight European countries are rushing to strengthen their cybersecurity systems following a new wave of cyberattacks that targeted internet-connected refrigerators and freezers, forcing retailers to discard large quantities of food.

The attacks, which occurred on Monday, replicated an incident that affected dozens of supermarkets in France three weeks earlier. Hackers reportedly manipulated refrigeration temperatures, disrupting food storage systems and raising concerns about potential food safety risks.

Retailers affected include Sweden’s Coop and stores operated by Germany’s Edeka, while Carrefour reported another incident involving 15 franchised stores in Belgium.

In response, Swedish supermarket chain Coop is upgrading its systems from 4G connections to 5G networks and modern modems. The seven affected stores have resumed operations, but their refrigeration systems remain disconnected from the internet while security checks continue.

Software provider Danfoss has also advised retailers to prevent refrigeration controllers from being directly accessible online and ensure that security updates are installed.

Cybersecurity experts have warned that the attacks expose vulnerabilities in outdated and poorly secured retail technology. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has called for stronger cooperation, faster information-sharing and coordinated responses among European countries.

Meanwhile, Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre has placed organisations on heightened alert, warning that similar disruptions could become more frequent as hackers exploit weaknesses in ageing technology.

The incidents have intensified concerns about the vulnerability of essential retail infrastructure, particularly systems responsible for preserving food supplies. Security experts are urging supermarkets to identify exposed devices, install updates and isolate vulnerable refrigeration equipment from public internet access.