Supermarket freezers hacked in Europe: Sweden, France and Belgium report attacks
Hackers appear to have found an unusual new target in Europe, supermarket refrigerators. Several grocery stores in Sweden reported that their refrigeration systems suddenly began heating up overnight, with temperatures reportedly reaching 50°C. At least one store blamed a cyberattack, raising concerns about the security of internet-connected equipment used to store food. The incident was reported on Monday, November 2, and comes just weeks after a similar attack disrupted hundreds of supermarkets in France.
Imagine walking into a supermarket expecting frozen food, only to discover that the freezers have been running at temperatures hotter than a summer afternoon in Delhi. That is the problem some Swedish retailers faced. The affected businesses include supermarket chains ICA and Coop. The incident shows how hackers can interfere with everyday equipment, potentially causing financial losses and food safety concerns without targeting customers’ phones or bank accounts.
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What happened to supermarkets in Sweden?
According to Reuters, refrigeration temperatures increased sharply overnight at several Swedish grocery stores.
One affected store claimed on social media that its refrigerators and freezers had been remotely set to 50°C. ICA confirmed an incident affecting refrigeration equipment at a limited number of stores.
Coop told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that six of its stores had experienced similar problems. The Financial Times reported that at least four ICA stores were affected, with temperatures reaching as high as 55°C in some cases.
One ICA store manager reported significant losses after the refrigeration controls could not be changed.
How can hackers turn refrigerators into heaters?
Modern supermarket refrigerators often use internet-connected controllers. These allow maintenance teams to monitor temperatures, adjust settings and manage equipment remotely.
If attackers gain access to these controls, they may be able to change temperature settings or activate defrost functions.
In normal operation, defrosting helps remove ice from refrigeration equipment. If abused, it can leave food exposed to unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
Investigators have not publicly confirmed the exact method used in Sweden.
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A similar cyberattack hit 700 French supermarkets in October
Sweden’s incident follows a much larger cyberattack in France on October 11 and 12.
According to the Associated Press, approximately 700 French supermarkets were affected after attackers interfered with refrigeration systems.
| Incident | Reported impact |
|---|---|
| France, October 2026 | Around 700 supermarkets affected |
| Sweden, November 2026 | At least six Coop and four ICA stores affected |
| Belgium, November 2026 | Around 60 stores reportedly affected |
French retailers, including Carrefour, Intermarché, Monoprix and Coopérative U, faced disrupted cooling systems. Some stores had to discard spoiled food, and authorities investigated reports of fires.
Security concerns centred on remotely accessible refrigeration controllers, including equipment supplied by Danish manufacturer Danfoss. Some affected French systems reportedly used older software that no longer received security updates.
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Who is behind the supermarket cyberattacks?
The identities of the attackers remain unknown.
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the French attack, and Swedish authorities have not identified those responsible for the latest incident.
There is currently no confirmed evidence that the attacks in Sweden, France and Belgium were conducted by the same individuals.
Why these attacks should worry supermarkets everywhere
The consequences can extend beyond spoiled food. Refrigeration failures can force retailers to discard stock, suspend sales and pay for repairs.
For cybersecurity teams, the incidents highlight a growing concern involving connected equipment in supermarkets, warehouses, hospitals and factories.
A vulnerable controller can provide attackers with access to systems that directly affect physical operations.
The latest incidents are a warning for businesses that rely on remote monitoring and maintenance. Protecting ordinary equipment, including supermarket freezers, has become part of protecting the wider food supply chain.
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People also ask: FAQs
Q1. What happened to supermarkets in Sweden?
Several Swedish supermarkets reported problems with their refrigeration systems in November 2026. Some stores claimed that their refrigeration temperatures had been remotely changed, with readings reaching 50°C to 55°C.
Q2. Which Swedish supermarkets were affected by the cyberattack?
Stores operated by supermarket chains ICA and Coop were reportedly affected. At least six Coop stores and four ICA stores were mentioned in reports.
Q3. How can hackers control supermarket refrigerators?
Some commercial refrigeration systems use internet-connected controllers for remote monitoring and maintenance. If attackers gain unauthorised access, they may be able to change temperature settings or interfere with defrost controls.
Q4. Were supermarkets in France hacked too?
Yes. Reports from October 2026 described a cyberattack affecting refrigeration systems at approximately 700 supermarkets in France.
Q5. Who is behind the supermarket refrigeration cyberattacks?
The attackers have not been publicly identified. Investigators have not established whether the reported incidents in Sweden, France and Belgium were connected.