Supermarkets across Europe are facing a growing cybersecurity crisis after suspected hackers remotely interfered with refrigeration systems, causing temperatures in fridges and freezers to soar and forcing retailers to throw away large quantities of food.

The latest incidents were reported in Sweden this morning, but have now spread to Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland and Estonia, with several major supermarket chains affected. The attacks follow a similar incident in France last month, when hundreds of stores suffered refrigeration failures after their cooling systems were compromised.

The growing number of incidents has raised questions about the security of supermarket equipment connected to the Internet, particularly systems which allow refrigeration units to be monitored and controlled remotely.

Sweden supermarkets hit by overnight attacks

Sweden was among the first countries to report problems on Monday, November 2, with supermarket chains ICA and Coop confirming incidents affecting refrigeration equipment.

ICA said a limited number of its stores had experienced problems overnight, while Coop reported that six outlets had been affected.

One ICA supermarket in Sjöbo reported that its refrigerators and freezers had been remotely set to 50°C, leaving staff with spoiled stock to remove. At another ICA store in Stockholm, employees discovered that its freezers had stopped working following an overnight incident.

Sweden’s National Cybersecurity Centre is investigating several incidents involving supermarket refrigeration systems. Its director has also warned about exposed operational technology devices which need security updates and patches.

Belgium and Luxembourg report widespread disruption

Belgium has also suffered serious disruption, with several supermarket groups reporting problems. Around 40 Delhaize stores were affected by an IT incident involving their refrigeration systems, according to reports from Belgian news agencies.

Carrefour Belgium confirmed that 15 of its more than 700 stores had experienced problems, although the company described the impact as limited. Five Spar supermarkets operated by the Colruyt Group also reported attacks on their refrigeration equipment.

The disruption extended into neighbouring Luxembourg, where Delhaize stores also experienced refrigeration problems. Technicians were called out overnight to disconnect affected equipment and prevent further damage.

One Belgian refrigeration company said attackers had switched evaporators inside the cooling units into defrost mode, causing temperatures to rise.

Irish supermarkets forced to remove food

Ireland has now joined the list of affected countries after SuperValu confirmed that refrigeration equipment at 13 of its 223 stores had been affected. The supermarket chain’s parent company, Musgrave, said chilled and frozen products had been removed from sale as a precaution. Stores stayed open, with other products available to customers.

The company said the incident involved a specific model of refrigeration equipment and that its monitoring systems had alerted staff to the problem. Musgrave is working with equipment suppliers and cybersecurity specialists to investigate what happened and restore normal operations.

Estonia reports temperatures reaching 50°C

An incident was also reported in Estonia, where a supermarket refrigeration system was accessed remotely and its temperature settings raised to 50°C. Technology supplier Kitman Coldtech confirmed that one of its customers had been affected. The supermarket chain Selver subsequently confirmed that one of its outlets had experienced the problem. The incident was reportedly dealt with within minutes, limiting the damage. One suspects, it was dealt with by detaching fridges from the Internet.

France suffered an earlier attack affecting hundreds of supermarkets

The latest developments follow a much larger incident in France last month, when hackers gained access to refrigeration control systems used by hundreds of supermarkets. French authorities reported that up to 700 supermarkets were affected, with temperatures in some refrigeration units reaching 50°C.

Intermarché, Carrefour, Monoprix and other major retailers reported disruption and substantial food losses. Some stores also experienced fires linked to overheating equipment.

Investigators examined how attackers had manipulated remotely controlled refrigeration systems, interfering with temperature controls and defrost programmes. The incidents exposed weaknesses in older equipment which had not received important security updates.

Could Spanish supermarkets be next?

There have been no confirmed reports of Spanish supermarket refrigeration systems being targeted in this latest wave of incidents.

However, the developments are likely to raise concerns among retailers in Spain, where major supermarket chains also depend on electronically monitored refrigeration systems to keep fresh and frozen products at safe temperatures.

The attacks go to show how equipment designed to make supermarket operations more efficient can also create potential security weaknesses if it is not properly protected.

Spain’s National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is providing advice and assistance on digital security incidents, while the Spanish Interior Ministry’s Cybersecurity Coordination Office publishes guidance on protecting connected and industrial equipment.

Who is behind the supermarket attacks?

Despite the growing number of incidents, investigators have yet to identify those responsible. No group has publicly claimed responsibility, and authorities have not established whether all the reported incidents are connected.

The absence of obvious ransom demands has also raised questions about whether the intention is financial gain or deliberate disruption. For supermarket operators, the immediate concern is protecting refrigeration equipment and preventing further food waste.

For shoppers, the incidents raise a wider question about how vulnerable essential food supplies can become when everyday supermarket equipment is connected to the internet.

A ride to the shops or an afternoon exploring the coast can become an expensive outing if you misunderstand a roadside sign. In Spain, two blue signs showing a white bicycle carry different instructions, and overlooking the distinction could leave you facing an €80 fine.

The detail to watch is the shape. A blue circle can make using a cycle route compulsory, while a blue square identifies a route reserved for bicycles.

EWN has previously explained cycling rules and fines in Spain. These signs deserve a closer look because they determine whether riders have a choice about where to cycle.

The circle that takes away your choice

The circular blue sign with a white bicycle, officially called R 407a, means cyclists must use the route it marks.

If it directs you onto a cycle route alongside the road, staying on the general carriageway simply because you prefer it is not an option.

Spain’s General Traffic Regulations distinguish between a cycle route being available and its use being compulsory. The presence of a cycle lane alone does not automatically mean cyclists must use it. The circular sign can create that obligation.

Ignoring it could also put a dent in your wallet. The DGT’s national enforcement guide lists an €80 penalty for minor breaches involving mandatory signs. It separately lists €200 where the offence qualifies as serious, so €80 should not be treated as a fixed penalty covering every situation.

The square that means something different

A square blue sign with a white bicycle, known as S 35, identifies a route reserved for cycles. Other road users are prohibited from using it.

The difference is that this sign does not itself order cyclists off the general road and onto that route.

Electric scooter riders should pay attention too. A separate sign, S 38, identifies routes reserved for both cycles and personal mobility vehicles. The bicycle symbol alone does not mean every scooter is welcome.

EWN has also covered Spain’s separate signs restricting electric scooters, highlighting why riders need to check which vehicles each sign applies to.

A path for both does not mean sharing every part

The S 41 sign shows a bicycle and a pedestrian in separate sections. It marks a route with different spaces allocated to cyclists and people on foot.

Check which side belongs to you before continuing. The arrangement shown on the sign can reflect the layout of the path, helping riders and walkers avoid straying into each other’s space.

Drivers need to know the difference too

A cycle lane beside the road does not automatically mean a cyclist on the carriageway is breaking the rules. The signs and restrictions on that stretch matter.

For cyclists, a quick glance at the shape could save money and confusion. Before deciding which route to take, check whether the sign leaves that decision to you.

A new networking group for women in Los Alcazares is actively seeking new members, in order to combat professional isolation, support members’ triumphs, and help each other navigate the lows of their careers. Founded by Tara Harris of Costara Properties, the group has already held its first meeting and has registered an incredible 30 members in its WhatsApp group, but is actively seeking more intelligent and ambitious businesswomen to join.

A new community for working women in Los Alcazares

The group, called Women’s Circle, held its first meeting on October 23 at 1:00pm at Beth’s Roast, a popular local café in Los Alcazares. During the successful first meeting, 15 businesswomen attended, and twice as many have joined the WhatsApp group, which provides updates on future meetings and further support for new or longtime working women.

“Working alone can feel very isolating,” said Harris of the new group. “Having a safe space to chat confidentially and support one another, share experiences or just have a catch up I genuinely miss.”

Building friendships beyond business networking: Supporting, understanding and learning

According to Harris, the goal of the group is not only to network, though this is something that will naturally happen. Instead, the group will build genuine connections and friendships, encourage each other, and create a community where women feel supported, understood and able to learn from each other.

“What has really struck me is the incredible diversity within the group. We bring together women of different ages, cultural backgrounds and professional experiences, representing a wide variety of businesses and industries.”

Monthly meetings and future plans for Women’s Circle

The group is beginning as a completely free and informal initiative, opting for coffee and chat meetups, but in the future, according to Harris, the group is looking to host larger gatherings with guest speakers and meeting hosts.

Women’s Circle is now holding monthly meetings on the last Friday of the month at Beth’s Roast, with an additional Saturday meeting to include women who have less flexibility in their working hours.

How to join: the beginning of something special on the Costa Calida

“I genuinely believe we’re at the beginning of something special,” said Harris about the group. “Women’s Circle is being created to help combat professional isolation, provide a supportive space to share experiences, celebrate successes and navigate the challenges of running a business together.”

Those looking to join the group can do so by getting in touch with Tara Harris via email at tara@costaraproperties.com. Whether you are new to running a business, a longtime worker, or simply looking for community and support in the beautiful town of Los Alcazares, new members will be welcome with open arms.

“And, of course, the coffee is great!” said Harris.