Epidemic of Hacked Freezers Spreads Across Europe
Supermarkets in nine additional European countries reported refrigeration systems switching into continuous defrost mode, following an earlier outbreak affecting about 700 stores in France. The disruptions spoiled food and caused fires in some French stores; affected systems in several countries involved remote-control units, including older Danfoss models. Investigators have not confirmed whether the latest incidents are connected to the French attack or identified the vulnerabilities used. France’s CERT-FR warns that unpatched, internet-exposed controllers are at high risk and advises taking them offline. Researchers previously identified flaws in Danfoss controllers, and the company issued a firmware fix, but older units may require costly physical modifications. Authorities and affected retailers are investigating, while CERT-FR says the campaigns may still be ongoing.
