UK security chiefs on alert after cyber attackers target supermarket fridges turning temperatures up to 55C

UK security chiefs on alert after cyber attackers target supermarket fridges turning temperatures up to 55C The UK's National Cyber Security Centre says it is 'working with its international partners and industry to fully understand details of an incident' which saw in-store chillers remotely accessed Britain’s cyber chiefs are on alert after supermarket fridges and freezers in several European countries were hacked. Those responsible were able to remotely crank up the temperatures of in-store chillers to as high as 55C, leading millions of euros worth of ruined food. It is the second time in as many weeks that retailers’ fridges have been targeted, raising concerns about gaps in their security. EU agriculture and food commissioner Christophe Hansen branded the hack a “deliberate attempt to disrupt our food supply chain”. There are no signs of UK retailers being in the hackers’ sights at this stage. However, a spokesperson for the National Cyber Security Centre said: “The NCSC is working with its international partners and industry to fully understand details of an incident.” The government is already working closely with the food industry to boost efforts to remain vigilant to the threat, which has included meetings with senior representatives from the sector. It comes after a series of cyber attacks on UK retailers, among the recent being online fashion giant ASOS. Marks & Spencer was targeted last year, forcing the chain to suspend online orders and initially impacting stores. SuperValu, Ireland’s third largest supermarkeyt chain, was among impacted by the incident on Monday. It said the refrigeration systems in 13 of its 223 stores had been affected. The retailer later confirmed that the issues had been resolved and that replenishment of chilled and frozen ranges was under way. Dozens of supermarkets across seven European countries were hit by the cyber attack, with no word at this stage who may be responsible. Around 40 Delhaize supermarkets in Belgium and Luxembourg were also affected, along with a smaller number of shops in Sweden, the Netherlands, Estonia and Finland. Stephan Moelans, boss of Sabcobel, which operates Delhaize’s systems, said the hackers had targeted the defrost made of freezers, in some due to unsafge internet connections. Most supermarkets across Europe are linked to the internet, meaning maintenance and troubleshooting can be done remotely. “The simplest solution is to manage the fridges over a secure internet connection,” Moelans added.. The latest incident follows another last month in which attackers remotely took control of refrigeration systems in hundreds of supermarkets and independent stores across France, sending temperatures soaring. The latest breach raises concerns about the potential for hackers to gain access to other forms of critical infrastructure. [Image text:] iled/trozen oroducts are nporaray able due to . e for.th