The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and federal regulators have issued a cybersecurity warning over ongoing attacks targeting industrial refrigeration and cold-chain monitoring systems, raising concerns about potential disruptions to food storage and critical infrastructure. The warning, issued on November 5, follows a series of cyber incidents affecting commercial refrigeration equipment in the United States and Europe. According to a joint advisory from the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other federal departments, malicious actors are targeting vulnerabilities in internet-connected or unpatched electronic temperature controllers used by grocery stores and cold-storage facilities. If successfully exploited, these weaknesses could allow attackers to remotely alter refrigeration settings, potentially causing food spoilage, equipment damage and fire hazards. Disruptions could also affect the storage of temperature-sensitive products, including medicines and other essential supplies. US authorities have urged organisations relying on refrigeration and monitoring systems to assume they could be potential targets. “Every organization that depends on refrigeration and monitoring systems should assume it could be a target,” said Chris Butera, CISA’s acting executive assistant director for cybersecurity. The agencies have recommended disconnecting refrigeration controllers from the public internet, securing necessary remote access, changing default passwords and promptly installing available software updates. They also advised operators to isolate operational technology systems from corporate networks and strengthen monitoring and alert mechanisms. The warning comes amid growing concern over cyberattacks against industrial systems, which can cause physical damage beyond conventional digital disruption. Recent incidents in Europe have reportedly resulted in substantial food losses at supermarkets, highlighting the vulnerability of connected refrigeration infrastructure. US authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the attacks. The advisory emphasises the importance of strengthening cybersecurity protections across industries dependent on cold storage.

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