Cyberattack Shuts Down Cooling Systems in European Supermarkets

Cooling systems at supermarket chains across several European countries were hit by cyberattacks this Monday. The breaches raised equipment temperatures and destroyed frozen food stocks at stores in Sweden, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Companies including Ahold Delhaize, Colruyt, ICA and Coop confirmed the incident took place overnight. At one location in Stockholm, freezer thermometers reached 50 degrees Celsius. The issue was only identified hours after the criminals took action.

This episode shares similarities with attacks recorded in France last month. On that occasion, hackers took control of cooling systems and triggered fires in hundreds of retail establishments. Local authorities are investigating the cases as potential acts of sabotage.

The hybrid warfare landscape in Europe is causing growing concern among regional officials. Although no organization has claimed responsibility, the incidents occur within a context of heightened geopolitical tension since 2022. Sweden's national cybersecurity center is currently conducting a technical analysis of the breaches.