Cyber Attacks Disrupt European Supermarkets, Raising Fears of Wider Chaos

Supermarkets across Europe experienced significant disruptions on Monday due to suspected cyber attacks that caused sudden temperature changes in their refrigeration units. This follows a similar, more extensive incident in France just weeks prior. Outlets in Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia have reported issues. In Belgium, Ahold Delhaize NV, Carrefour SA, and Spar confirmed problems with their refrigerators and freezers. Local media and representatives also indicated that supermarket chains in Sweden, Ireland, and Finland were affected.

These incidents are sparking concerns about a potential repeat of the widespread disruption seen in France last month, where cyber attacks impacted 700 stores, disabling refrigeration systems and leading to the disposal of spoiled food. Major chains like Intermarché, Coopérative U, and Carrefour were among those affected in France. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the recent attacks.

Ahold Delhaize confirmed an "IT incident" affected refrigeration systems in several of its Delhaize shops in Belgium on Sunday night. Carrefour Belgium reported that 15 of its 700 outlets were impacted, while Spar noted refrigeration issues in approximately five of its stores. In Ireland, Musgrave Group stated that a cyber incident affected refrigeration systems in 13 of its SuperValu locations. As a precautionary measure, chilled and frozen products have been removed from sale in the affected stores.

Several ICA and Coop supermarkets in Sweden are also reporting elevated temperatures in their freezers. At ICA Kvantum in Sjöbo, freezer temperatures were raised to 50C, with the store suspecting a hack. An ICA Sverige representative acknowledged that a limited number of stores were affected by an overnight incident impacting refrigeration and freezer systems, and that stores are receiving support. Coop confirmed that seven of its stores were affected by a hack. In Finland, Petri Käyhkö, head of corporate security at Kesko Oyj, reported that some refrigeration equipment in a few smaller K-food grocery stores experienced "temperature anomalies overnight." Kesko is investigating the cause, and an IT-related incident has not been ruled out, though it is not considered a widespread issue.

Supermarkets in Estonia were also reportedly affected. Last month, a cyber attack caused extended service outages and empty shelves at Ahold Delhaize stores in the Netherlands, with the cause still unconfirmed by the company. Separately, the Pentagon in the US announced it was investigating failures in food storage freezers across several military facilities.