US issues warning over persistent cyber threats targeting industrial refrigeration systems

The United States has warned of an ongoing cyber threat targeting industrial refrigeration systems, urging organisations that rely on cold storage to strengthen their security measures.

A joint advisory issued by the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other federal departments said hackers were exploiting vulnerabilities in internet-connected temperature controls used by grocery stores and cold storage facilities.

Authorities warned that cyberattacks could allow hackers to remotely alter temperatures, potentially causing fires, food losses and damage to equipment.

The warning follows several hacking incidents targeting commercial refrigerators and freezers in the US and Europe in recent months, raising concerns over the security of critical refrigeration infrastructure.

Officials have urged operators to disconnect vulnerable devices from the public internet, isolate them from corporate networks and install the latest software updates.