Belgian Cyberattack on Supermarket Freezers Mirrors French Incident
A suspected cyberattack disrupted refrigeration systems in dozens of European supermarkets, primarily in Belgium, causing temperatures to spike and forcing the disposal of perishable goods. The incident, which mirrors a large-scale attack in France in October, targets legacy software from Danish manufacturer Danfoss. Belgian authorities have launched an investigation, while experts warn that physical hardware modifications are required to fix the vulnerability, as software updates alone are insufficient.
Key points
- Belgian federal prosecutors opened an investigation after dozens of stores, including Delhaize and Carrefour, reported refrigeration failures overnight.
- The attack affected approximately 75 stores in Belgium, with temperatures rising to 17 degrees Celsius, forcing retailers to discard food.
- Similar incidents were reported in Sweden, Estonia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Finland, affecting chains such as ICA, Coop, and SuperValu.
- The mechanism involves switching evaporators to defrost mode, a tactic identical to the October attack on French supermarkets.
- Danfoss, the software supplier, stated that the vulnerability lies in outdated software, but experts note that physical modifications are necessary for a complete fix.
Background
This incident follows a major cyberattack in France on 12 October, which affected over 400 supermarkets and caused estimated losses exceeding 10 million euros. That previous breach targeted legacy software from Danfoss, leading to overheating freezers and fires. European officials have since warned that the weaponization of food supply chains is a growing reality, prompting retailers to seek more secure management solutions.
Why it matters
The recurrence of these attacks highlights a critical vulnerability in industrial refrigeration systems across Europe. The reliance on outdated software and the difficulty of implementing physical fixes expose the fragility of food supply chains to cyber threats. As retailers struggle to secure their infrastructure, the potential for widespread food spoilage and economic loss remains a significant risk for the sector.
What to watch
Belgian authorities are investigating the incident, though identifying the perpetrators may be impossible. Retailers are expected to continue implementing secure internet connections for their refrigeration units to mitigate future risks. Danfoss is urging customers to update their software, but industry experts emphasize that physical hardware changes are required to fully address the vulnerability.
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