Refrigeration Systems in at Least 115 European Supermarkets Breached via Exposed Controls
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At least 115 supermarkets across seven European countries suffered cyber intrusions on refrigeration systems, with attackers altering temperatures and triggering defrost cycles. Affected equipment included Sabcobel setups where interfaces were exposed to the internet and reached end-of-life, prompting emergency disconnections and physical retrofits.
Reports indicate that refrigeration control systems in at least 115 supermarkets across seven European nations—including Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, and Estonia—were breached by cyber attackers. Intruders manipulated temperature settings, shut down units, or engaged defrost modes, driving temperatures up and forcing operators to deploy refrigerated trucks to protect goods. Equipment provided by Belgian industrial refrigeration firm Sabcobel was widely involved, though unified attribution remains unconfirmed. Experts and company leadership noted that management interfaces were exposed to the public internet, and many controllers had reached end-of-life without vendor patches, meaning software updates alone are insufficient and physical modifications are required.
Key takeaways
- At least 115 supermarkets across seven European countries had refrigeration systems manipulated remotely, risking food spoilage.
- Chains such as Ahold Delhaize and Carrefour responded by isolating equipment and using refrigerated trucks.
- Experts and manufacturers noted exposed interfaces and end-of-life status without patches mean physical equipment retrofits are needed.
Source：iThome Read the original ↗
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