Two groups describing themselves as pro-Russian, Noname057(16) and Z-Pentest Alliance, claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe. Following the first reports of disruptions on November 2, authorities and specialists in several countries continued to examine the incidents. The groups’ claims do not establish who actually gained access to the equipment.
At least nine European countries reported disruptions: Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Finland and Romania. At some stores, temperatures in fridges and freezers were raised, forcing retailers to discard spoiled food. European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen expressed concern about retailers’ financial losses.
Following earlier attacks, specialists at several cybersecurity firms set up digital traps to study intruders' methods. France's Sequoia identified similarities with techniques used by groups linked to Russia but also considered the possibility of Iranian hackers. Other researchers did not rule out a less experienced attacker. Posts in which Noname057(16) and Z-Pentest Alliance claimed responsibility were subsequently deleted. None of these competing explanations identifies the perpetrators of the attacks.