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# Barcelona Supermarkets at Risk from Fridge Cyberattacks
- URL: https://barna.news/barcelona-supermarkets-at-risk-from/
- Published: 2026-11-04T09:09:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-04T09:09:51.000Z
- Description: Large supermarket chains in Barcelona could be vulnerable to cyberattacks that disable refrigeration systems, experts warn.
- Author: Barna.News News Desk
- Tags: Economy & Finance, Trending Now

## European Attacks Raise Alarm for Local Chains

Repeated cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe have raised concerns that similar incidents could occur in Barcelona. On Monday 2nd November 2026, stores in Portugal, Belgium, France, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Estonia, the Netherlands, Italy, and Luxembourg reported sudden temperature increases in freezers and refrigerators, leading to spoilage of fresh and frozen food. According to AFP and Orange Cyberdefense, the attacks involved remote manipulation of refrigeration controllers made by Danfoss, Copeland, and Dixell, forcing units into defrost mode and breaking the cold chain. In Belgium alone, around 40 Delhaize stores and 15 Carrefour locations were affected, while Coop, ICA, and Ikea also reported disruptions.

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## Remote Monitoring Creates Vulnerability

Josep Domingo Romero, manager of Santa Perpètua de Mogoda-based temperature monitoring firm ControlTemp, warned in a Betevé interview that large supermarket chains in Catalonia are similarly exposed. He explained that major retailers like Carrefour, Lidl, and Esclat connect their refrigeration units to central networks for remote temperature monitoring via the internet, a practice not common in smaller shops. "These are large chains with many branches that need to have all their refrigerators under control," Romero said. "They use the same cold control systems as those that have suffered attacks in Europe."

> The equipment understands this order as normal, and the alarm does not trigger.

Romero highlighted a critical flaw: while these systems have operational alarms, a cyberattack can mimic an internal technician’s command, making the system treat it as legitimate and preventing alerts from activating.

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## Dual Monitoring System Offers Protection

The expert noted that some supermarkets use a dual control system, though it is not widespread. This involves running a parallel temperature monitoring system independent of the main network, which sends data directly to the cloud without connecting to the company’s internal infrastructure. "This allows for a comparison," Romero explained, enabling staff to detect discrepancies if the primary system is compromised. He stressed that such redundancy is essential for early detection and damage prevention. Authorities across Europe, including Belgium’s CCB and France’s cybersecurity agency, are investigating the incidents. No group has claimed responsibility, and the motive remains unclear. The EU has warned of potential threats to the bloc’s food supply chain.

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*Sources:* [*betevé*](https://beteve.cat/societat/neveres-grans-supermercats-barcelona-vulnerables-ciberatac/?ref=barna.news)*,* [*orangecyberdefense.com*](https://www.orangecyberdefense.com/global/blog/cert-news/a-cyberattack-breaking-the-cold-chain-in-supermarkets-an-alarm-signal-sent-to-connected-industrial-systems?ref=barna.news)*,* [*bbc.com*](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq1kd1nee80eo?ref=barna.news)*.*