Cyberattacks target supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe

Dozens of supermarkets across Europe, including Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Ireland, reported a wave of suspected cyberattacks targeting their refrigeration and freezer units overnight on November 2, 2026. Major retail chains such as ICA, Coop, Delhaize, and SuperValu confirmed that their temperature control systems were compromised, with one Swedish store reporting that its units were remotely adjusted to 50 degrees Celsius. This malicious interference resulted in significant food spoilage, with one Delhaize branch in Belgium estimating losses at approximately 100,000 euros.

These incidents follow a large-scale attack on hundreds of French supermarkets reported last month, which similarly resulted in equipment failure and fires. While the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown, national cybersecurity agencies in the affected countries are currently monitoring the situation. Experts warn that internet-connected appliances, ranging from smart fridges to industrial cooling systems, remain vulnerable to unauthorized access when secured improperly. Investigations are ongoing as companies assess the full scale of damages to their inventories and seek to reinforce their network security measures.