Cyberattacks disrupt refrigeration at supermarkets across Europe

Coop, a Swedish supermarket chain, is transitioning to 5G networks and updated modems to replace older 4G connections, a process initiated after the earlier French attacks. The affected stores have temporarily disconnected their refrigeration units from the internet. A spokesperson for Coop stated, “We are looking quite thoroughly and deeply into the status of the entire network of stores to see if we risk any vulnerability anywhere in the entire network.”

Cybersecurity expert Frank Groenewegen at Deloitte in The Hague emphasized the urgency of action, advising retailers to assess vulnerabilities, internet connectivity, and security updates. He suggested disconnecting vulnerable systems from the public internet as an immediate precaution, even if it doesn’t resolve the underlying issue.

Swedish grocer ICA confirmed that equipment at its 23 affected stores operated independently of the chain’s central network. Christian Olofsson, an ICA store owner in Tomelilla and Sjobo, expressed frustration as he was in the process of upgrading security systems when the attack occurred.

German supermarket chain Edeka, which experienced a breach at a store in Reisbach, acknowledged the lack of standardized refrigeration systems across its independently operated stores. Even Carrefour, previously affected in France, saw 15 stores in Belgium targeted in the latest attacks.

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation and information sharing among member states to address such incidents. In Britain, while attempts were made to target meat-processing firms, the impact was limited. Richard Horne, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), stated that the organization is on “heightened alert” and working to proactively identify and close vulnerabilities. Horne warned that these attacks may be a precursor to more frequent disruptions as outdated technology struggles to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.