By Islam El-Sakka
UK meat processing firms have been hit by cyber attacks after hackers targeted supermarket freezers across Europe, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) confirmed on Tuesday. The agency said the national impact is “minimal” and that it is working with affected organisations.
Legacy Technology Exploited
The attacks exploited legacy refrigeration systems connected to the internet with default passwords, according to NCSC chief executive Richard Horne. Speaking at the launch of the centre’s annual report in London, Horne said teams worked overnight to alert British firms with vulnerable technology exposed.
Meat Suppliers Report Limited Damage
The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (Aims) said a few of its roughly 300 members were affected, with freezers heating up overnight. However, abattoir units were empty at the time, so no meat produce was lost. The association urged the industry to remain vigilant.
Retailers Urged to Strengthen Defences
Major supermarket chains have not been directly impacted, but the British Retail Consortium advised retailers to monitor systems closely, update software, and maintain contingency plans for relocating food produce.
Annual Report Warns of AI-Driven Threats
The NCSC annual report revealed 1,831 cyber attack reports this year, with 337 requiring support and 80 nationally significant. Horne warned that the UK has relied on “tech on the cheap” for decades, leaving critical infrastructure such as refrigeration controls, electricity switching, and water facilities vulnerable. He said ransomware groups are “highly likely” to use AI to target the UK by 2028, with hostile states like Russia and China routinely employing the technology.
Call for Immediate Investment
Horne stressed that organisations must invest in renewal and security by design, or face explaining future failures amid empty shelves and power blackouts. The NCSC also warned 8,500 organisations of compromised systems this year.
