Supermarkets across Europe have been affected by a suspected cyber-attack targeting their fridges and freezers. This incident has raised concerns about the vulnerabilities of internet-connected hardware, from industrial machinery to domestic appliances.
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working with international partners and industry to understand these supermarket incidents. However, the NCSC has stated it is unaware of any direct impact on the UK.
Despite this, UK Cyber Defence researchers have identified over 800 refrigeration and building-control interfaces linked to British retailers that are accessible over the public internet. While this does not automatically mean they can be hacked, it could leave them vulnerable to attackers exploiting weak passwords or software flaws.
Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the NCSC, has called for manufacturers to improve the security of connected devices. He also advised consumers to keep devices updated and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
The government has previously engaged with senior food retailers regarding cyber resilience following earlier attacks. In May 2025, ransomware attacks on M&S and the Co-op led to difficulties in stocking some shop shelves with fresh deliveries, resulting in customer complaints about empty shelves across the UK.