Cybersecurity threats emerge against retail infrastructure in Cyprus

European supermarkets have recently faced targeted cyberattacks against cooling systems, causing food spoilage and significant financial losses. Experts warn that the direct connection of industrial equipment to the internet, often without adequate security, allows hackers to manipulate temperatures remotely. External maintenance providers are also cited as potential vectors for these security gaps. While such attacks are a growing concern in Europe, no similar incidents have been reported in Cyprus to date, according to local authorities and the Retailers Association.

Meanwhile, the Digital Security Authority (DSA) of Cyprus released a 2025 report highlighting the broader state of cybersecurity in the country. The survey, involving 459 companies across various sectors, found that 53% of businesses experienced a cyberattack in 2025, with an average frequency of one incident every eight days. Phishing remains the most common threat, accounting for 44% of incidents. Among the companies hit, 51% suffered direct financial losses, averaging €12,000 per incident. The report also highlights that nearly 25% of surveyed businesses have failed to update their cybersecurity policies within the last year, leaving them vulnerable to ongoing threats.