Cyber attack targets shop freezers across multiple European nations

A cyber attack has compromised shop freezers across European nations, causing temperatures inside some units to rise to as high as 50C, according to the BBC. Outlet reports differ on the exact reach of the disruption, with the BBC stating seven European countries were affected, while the Albanian Daily News reported that six nations were hit. [1][2][3][4]

Stephan Moelans, the chief executive officer of Sabcobel, which operates systems for supermarket chain Delhaize, told the Belga news agency on Monday that the incident was a cyber attack. He stated that the company worked through the night and morning to disconnect affected units from the network. [1]

The company had been working to protect customer fridges from a security vulnerability following an earlier attack in France in early October, according to the BBC. Stephan Moelans explained that the affected units require physical modifications rather than simple software updates. [1]

Most supermarkets across Europe maintain internet connections for their equipment so that maintenance and troubleshooting can be managed remotely, the BBC reported. Managing fridges over a secure internet connection remains the simplest solution for retail operators. [1]