Supermarkets in Belgium and Sweden, including outlets operated by Ahold Delhaize, Carrefour, ICA and Coop, reported widespread disruptions after refrigeration and freezer systems in dozens of stores were targeted in suspected cyberattacks. The suspected attackers remotely raised temperatures overnight, in some cases to 55°C (131°F), spoiling large quantities of perishable and frozen goods.
The incidents began Sunday night and continued into Monday, echoing a large-scale cyberattack on hundreds of supermarkets in France just weeks earlier. In France, hackers also manipulated internet-connected refrigeration controllers.
Affected companies confirmed they were investigating the IT incidents. Several stores remained closed as they assessed the damage and discarded spoiled inventory. The disruptions highlight risks to the food supply chain from connected refrigeration systems.