nuNov 3, 2026, 14:56

Supermarkets resume operations day after cooling systems hacked

Supermarkets in Belgium have restored operations following a cyberattack that manipulated refrigeration temperatures and caused significant food waste. While major Dutch supermarket chains were not affected, at least seventeen smaller businesses in the Netherlands experienced system issues.

Supermarket chains, including Delhaize, have resumed normal operations following a cyberattack that targeted European refrigeration systems. The breach allowed hackers to remotely increase temperatures in cooling units, resulting in significant food waste across several locations in Belgium. Ahold Delhaize confirmed that immediate measures were taken to mitigate the impact and restore functionality to affected stores after the incident, which appeared to be a deliberate effort to disrupt food supplies. While the impact was notable in Belgium, including at an IKEA branch, major supermarket chains in the Netherlands remained unaffected according to the Centraal Bureau Levensmiddelenhandel. However, at least seventeen smaller Dutch businesses experienced issues with their systems. Industry experts emphasize that many refrigeration units are connected to the internet for remote maintenance, making regular security updates and proper configuration critical to preventing unauthorized access. While there were concerns regarding the broader supply chain, organizations like the Koninklijke Nederlandse Slagers have not received reports of widespread damage among their members.

Economy Business Technology Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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