Mystery hackers have targeted Britain's fridges and freezers, putting the country's food supply at risk as tonnes of produce is dumped across Europe. The attack was confirmed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which has alerted UK retailers to update software on fridge temperature controls as a matter of urgency to prevent further attacks.
Some UK meat suppliers had to throw out products after temperatures in fridges and freezers were raised to as high as 55C. Hackers disabled temperature alarms, so managers were unaware the thermostats had been turned until it was too late and the food had to be dumped.
NCSC confirms attacks on UK supermarkets
Tech experts confirmed the latest hit has the "same signature" as a similar attack a few weeks ago, exploiting outdated systems and targeting food systems. It is not yet known who is behind the attack, but tech professionals confirmed it had hit some British supermarkets.
Dr Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, told BBC Radio: "There is a handful of organisations in the UK that we've alerted and we're aware of a couple of impacts, we think. We don't know the full impact, but we do know there are a couple of instances where vulnerable technology has been exploited and we're working with those organisations."
Government urges stockpiling
Dr Horne backed Government warnings for Brits to stockpile essentials, with the stark warning "it's your life, choose wisely". Asked if he would reinforce warnings from the Defence Secretary that people in the UK should stockpile, Dr Horne said: "Absolutely. And we saw criminal attacks last year impact retailers in the UK. We alert people. We intervene where we can. But, at the end of the day, it's your business. It's your charity. It's your life. You need to make the choice and choose wisely."
He added: "Technology underpins everything we rely on in our day-to-day life, not just computer systems. That technology base has not been invested in as it needs to be. Systems aren't being upgraded or being kept in secure environments disconnected from the internet. This leads to vulnerabilities which AI in the hands of our adversaries allows them to exploit them."
Attacks spread across Europe
Similar attacks have been seen across Europe. The latest hack is thought to have impacted 60 shops in Belgium, 13 in Ireland, and more than a dozen in Sweden. The Netherlands, Finland, Estonia and Luxembourg have also been hit.
The 'Be Prepared' campaign urged Brits to ensure they have adequate water and food supplies in their homes for family should the worst happen.
