Andrea Innocenti Since the refrigeration systems of a French supermarket chain were compromised on October 12, a wave of cyberattacks has hit supermarket freezers across Europe. The phenomenon, described by the European Union as "highly worrying," has caused temperatures to rise abnormally, reaching 50°C above zero , turning freezers into veritable ovens.
Geographical diffusion and impact on products
The reports come from Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Ireland, where chains like Delhaize, Carrefour, Intermarché, and Spar have had to empty their food counters. In Sweden, Dennis Vidal, manager of one of the affected stores, said: "We're emptying the freezers; there's not much else we can do."
Swedish authorities noted that although the systems are cooling down again, the damage is already irreparable, with tons of food destined for the fire.
Situation in Italy and institutional response
In Italy, the attacks affected at least four Coop stores: three in Catania and one in Palermo. The postal police are investigating any possible connections to the incidents abroad.
At the same time, the French National Cybersecurity Agency issued an alert to large-scale retail outlets, urging them to adopt recommended security measures following previous incidents in France.
Copasir interventions
COPASIR has announced that tomorrow it will ask the government for clarification on the incident. At the San Macuto session, AISI Director Bruno Valensise will be heard, while on Wednesday, the head of the National Cybersecurity Agency, Andrea Quacivi , will speak . Furthermore, at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at Palazzo Chigi, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano will coordinate a meeting with the heads of the intelligence agencies and the director of the National Cybersecurity Agency to review the situation.
European reactions and technical insights
Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen called the attacks a deliberate attempt to disrupt the food supply chain and undermine consumer confidence, promising to raise the issue at the next meeting of the Commission. On the business front, Carrefour Belgium spokesperson Mich Vergauwen confirmed that it was a coordinated cyberattack , with no immediate claim of responsibility. Belgian group Sabcobel reported that approximately 10% of its machinery had not yet been updated, with many still connected to 4G networks rather than 5G, making them vulnerable.
Danish manufacturer Danfoss has noted that older equipment, unable to receive software or security updates , is most likely to be targeted. The Belgian Center for Cyber Security (CCB) has warned that the targeted use of artificial intelligence is accelerating the frequency of incidents, making a rapid review of chiller control systems across Europe crucial.