A cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems in France earlier this week left retailers facing substantial food losses after hackers gained remote access to equipment and interfered with temperature controls.
The attack affected several major grocery chains, including Intermarché and Coopérative U. Some refrigeration systems reportedly reached temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius, with approximately 150 Intermarché stores affected. Food was discarded because it was no longer safe for sale.
In New Zealand, Foodstuffs has said the risk of a similar attack affecting its North Island and South Island stores remains low.
Foodstuffs told SupermarketNews that it was aware of the French incident and recognised the importance of protecting systems involved in critical store operations, including food storage.
“Foodstuffs takes cybersecurity seriously and recognises the importance of protecting the systems that support our stores, including those involved in the safe storage of food,” said a Foodstuffs spokesperson.
The company said it took a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, reviewing security measures, managing access and working with technology partners to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
“Foodstuffs has robust security protocols in place to reduce this type of exposure. The risk to stores remains low, and we're continuing to monitor developments and work with our technology partners to keep our systems current and secure.”
Woolworths New Zealand declined to comment when approached by SupermarketNews.
Connected refrigeration allows supermarket operators and maintenance providers to monitor temperatures, identify faults and manage equipment remotely. It can reduce energy and maintenance costs, but also makes the security of remote access and software an important part of store operations.
Refrigeration equipment may remain in service for many years, while the digital controllers and software supporting it require updates and ongoing security management. Depending on the equipment and service arrangements, responsibility for that work may be shared between retailers, manufacturers and maintenance contractors.
The French incident has drawn attention to the consequences of unauthorised access to systems responsible for keeping food at safe temperatures. Beyond the cost of repairs, an extended failure can result in substantial stock losses, disrupted trading and additional labour.
For New Zealand supermarket operators, the incident highlights the need to review whether refrigeration systems and access controls have kept pace with cyber threats, and whether procedures are in place to protect stock if remote monitoring or controls are compromised.
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