An ongoing investigation reveals that internet-connected legacy commercial refrigeration systems running outdated software were targeted across more than 100 European stores.
The attacks caused cooling units to fail and internal temperatures to reach 50°C, impacting equipment from vendors like Danfoss, Dixell, and Copeland.
The first major wave was recorded in France on October 12, affecting well-known chains such as Intermarché, Coopérative U and E.Leclerc. By early November, the problem had spread to at least seven other countries, including Belgium, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, affecting stores of companies such as Carrefour, Delhaize, ICA, Coop, IKEA and SuperValu.
According to experts, the attacks exploited vulnerabilities in older refrigeration management systems that were connected to the internet, had outdated software or lacked security updates. The equipment under investigation includes devices from companies such as Danfoss, Dixell and Copeland, although these manufacturers are not responsible for the incidents. The attackers interfered with temperature settings and activated defrost functions, interrupting the cold chain.
No group has claimed responsibility and no ransom demands have been made. Researchers are considering two main scenarios: either an organized, state-sponsored operation, with countries like Russia and China under scrutiny due to broader concerns about hybrid threats and sabotage in Europe, or the work of an individual hacker or small independent group. Similar unexplained problems with refrigeration units have also been recorded recently at US military installations in South Korea.
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The European Commission condemned the events, saying they were a deliberate attempt to disrupt the supply chain and undermine citizens' trust. The incidents highlighted the vulnerability of everyday infrastructure to digital threats, heightening authorities' concerns about security and preparedness.
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