Cyberattack hits supermarkets in four European countries

A suspected cyberattack has disrupted refrigeration and freezer systems at dozens of supermarkets in Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg and Ireland, forcing stores to discard large quantities of food on Monday (November 2).

Around 40 Delhaize supermarkets in Belgium and Luxembourg, several ICA and Coop outlets in Sweden and 13 SuperValu stores in Ireland were affected. Carrefour also reported disruptions at 15 stores in Belgium, according to AFP.

The attack reportedly caused freezer temperatures to rise to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) at one Swedish store. A Delhaize outlet in Belgium estimated its food losses at €100,000.

Sweden's Coop said seven of its stores were affected, but the situation was under control. Carrefour said it had taken immediate measures to keep its stores operational.