Hackers target grocery-store refrigerators, experts warn
Sunday 18th October 2026 on 20:31 in
Estonia
Hackers accessed refrigerators in hundreds of French grocery stores, raising concerns about the security of internet-connected devices, ERR reports. The attackers turned up the temperature, causing tonnes of food to thaw and spoil.
The attackers and their motive remain unknown. Technology expert Glen Pilvre said the damage ran into millions of euros and that the incident showed how weak security on connected devices can allow intruders to get in.
The refrigerators were old and running outdated software, leaving them vulnerable to basic security flaws. Pilvre said everyday appliances such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and fridges can be connected to the internet, but may not receive software updates quickly. Devices may also retain simple default passwords.
Pilvre cited another case in which attackers reached a casino’s customer data through the control system for an aquarium. The system was exposed to outside access and connected to the casino’s internal network.
Estonia’s Information System Authority (RIA) is responsible for preventing such security gaps in the country. The agency says the situation in Estonia is relatively good compared with France, with strict requirements and regular checks for providers of vital services. RIA incident response department head Taavi Kupper said only a handful of internet-facing devices had been identified in Estonia. The agency had contacted their operators and provided guidance on hiding or disabling the exposed access and taking other countermeasures.
Experts said artificial intelligence is changing the pace of cyberattacks. University of Tartu professor Mart Noorma said AI can help attackers cause harm more quickly, while also helping defenders improve security. Kupper said vulnerabilities that once might have remained unexploited during a 30-day update cycle can now be compromised within two to 24 hours.
Experts said hackers are generally more interested in making money quickly than in attacking household appliances. The Estonian Defence Forces said military infrastructure is subject to stricter oversight and would be a poor target for attackers seeking an easy route in. Its systems are nevertheless tested by malicious actors continuously.