Hackers activate automatic defrosting in supermarket fridges across Europe

A massive cyberattack has targeted supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe, causing significant operational disruptions. Hackers managed to gain unauthorized access to the control networks of commercial fridges, triggering automatic defrosting cycles that threaten the integrity of perishable food supplies. Beyond the immediate impact on refrigeration, the incident has also disrupted automated delivery logistics and store pricing systems, highlighting the vulnerability of interconnected retail infrastructure. Security experts warn that this breach underscores the growing risks associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial environments. Retailers affected by the attack are currently working to secure their networks and restore normal operations, while authorities investigate the source of the breach. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for cyber-physical attacks to cause real-world economic damage and food waste on a continental scale.