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Mon, 02 Nov 2026

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 Shop freezers in seven European countries hit by cyber-attack

The temperature of freezers in several shops across Europe reportedly rose to as high as 50C.
A cyber-attack has affected dozens of supermarkets across seven European countries, causing widespread food spoilage and waste. Around 40 Delhaize supermarkets in Belgium and Luxembourg were hit, as well as smaller numbers in Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Finland. The attack caused freezers to malfunction, resulting in temperatures rising to as high as 50C (122F). Millions of euros worth of food had to be thrown away due to the malfunction. The attack is believed to have used a similar method as one that hit hundreds of French supermarkets last month, causing millions of euros worth of food waste. The manufacturer of some of the affected refrigerators, Sabcobel, said they had been working to protect customers' fridges against this vulnerability but that physical modifications were needed, not just software updates. Supermarkets affected by the attack include Delhaize in Belgium and Luxembourg, ICA in Sweden, Coop in Sweden, K-stores in Finland, SuperValu in Ireland, and Selver in Estonia. The incident is being monitored by national cyber-security agencies in Belgium and Sweden, while international partners are working together to understand the details of the attack. Estimated losses from the affected Delhaize branch in Flanders were around €100,000 (£83,500), with further losses expected due to closing the shop. Carrefour said only 15 of its Belgian stores were affected, and measures had been taken to ensure all shops remained open. In Sweden, ICA and Coop stores were among those affected, with several being forced to close temporarily. The attack is also affecting shops in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Estonia, with at least 17 companies in the Netherlands being affected by freezing and cooling system malfunctions.