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Supermarkets across Europe have been hit by a <\/b>suspected cyber-attack<\/b> affecting their fridges and freezers, and raising concern about the vulnerabilities of internet-connected hardware from industrial machinery to humble domestic appliances.<\/b><\/p>\n
Smart devices which are connected to the internet can include fridges, central heating, and even washing machines.<\/p>\n
And while that makes them easier to control remotely, in theory, any device which goes online can potentially be exploited by malicious actors.<\/p>\n
However, that doesn’t mean hackers can easily take control of it, and big brands generally go to great lengths to make sure their tech is secure.<\/p>\n
Exploits have been found before in some devices. In 2015, researchers demonstrated how a vulnerability in a Samsung smart fridge could allow them to intercept internet traffic.<\/p>\n
But there’s no evidence domestic appliances are being targeted in the cyber-attacks which targeted supermarkets in November.<\/p>\n
Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says manufacturers needed to do more to make connected devices secure.<\/p>\n
“There’s a lot more that we need to demand of big tech to give us safer devices and products in the first place,” he said.<\/p>\n
He advised consumers to keep devices updated and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.<\/p>\n
“I know it’s a pain, but it only takes a few seconds,” he said.<\/p>\n
Since April 2024, UK law has required manufacturers of certain consumer smart devices to meet minimum cyber security standards, including requirements around passwords and security updates.<\/p>\n
The NCSC said it was working with international partners and industry to understand the supermarket incidents, but it was unaware of any impact on the UK.<\/p>\n
However, researchers from UK Cyber Defence have identified more than 800 refrigeration and building-control interfaces associated with British retailers that can be accessed over the public internet.<\/p>\n
That doesn’t necessarily mean they can be hacked, but it could leave them exposed to attackers exploiting weak passwords or software vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n
The government has already held talks with senior food retailers about cyber resilience, following earlier attacks on supermarkets.<\/p>\n
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, has said cyber incidents are a major concern for retailers, with businesses working alongside the NCSC to share intelligence and strengthen their defences.<\/p>\n
It would not be the first time that hacks have raised concern about impact on food supply.<\/p>\n
When UK supermarkets M&S and the Co-op were targeted by ransomware hackers in May 2025, the retailers struggled to stock some shop shelves with fresh deliveries.<\/p>\n
Customers across the UK complained of empty shelves in the days following the attack.<\/p>\n
Tom Hegel, a researcher at cyber-security firm SentinelOne, said retailers must be clearer about responsibility.<\/p>\n
“The question retailers need to answer is who owns the security of that equipment, not just who repairs it,” he said.<\/p>\n
He said internet connectivity can make everyday technology more convenient, but security needed to keep pace.<\/p>\n
“Once an attacker can operate those controls, legitimate functions such as defrosting become tools for disruption,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Changing a setting can destroy physical stock, not just interrupt a computer system.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Could cars, power plants and water supplies be vulnerable?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Outside of the home, connected tech is used to remotely manage industrial machinery and vehicles.<\/p>\n
Cyber security expert Ken Munro pointed to a 2015 demonstration in which researchers remotely hacked a Jeep through its internet-connected entertainment system, prompting improvements in vehicle security.<\/p>\n
“Fortunately, the vehicle industry woke up to this and fixed the problem,” he said. <\/p>\n
Mobile connections are also widely used to monitor equipment in power plants and water networks, allowing engineers to manage systems remotely.<\/p>\n
Munro said UK utilities were generally good at securing these connections, but standards varied around the world.<\/p>\n
His biggest concern was smaller, poorly funded utility companies which may still be relying on older, vulnerable equipment.<\/p>\n
Without proper protections, “any factory or equipment” connected to the internet – ranging from carmakers to electricity or transport infrastructure – could face similar risks, said Olivier Daloy, a cybersecurity expert at Zscaler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/p>\nShop freezers in seven European countries hit by cyber-attack<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n
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