Faroese retailers review cyber defences after attacks abroad

Faroese grocery retailers and wholesalers say they are well protected against cyberattacks, but have reviewed their systems after attacks on food businesses abroad, KVF reports.

In several European countries, attackers have altered the temperature settings in freezer and refrigerated display units, destroying food worth millions. The most severe attack hit Swedish retail chain ICA, where six stores were affected. The attackers breached the refrigeration system and raised its temperature to 50 degrees, forcing the stores to discard several tonnes of food.

A Danish authority for societal security has reported other attacks in Denmark, without naming the businesses involved. The latest targeted a food producer. Similar attacks have also taken place in Belgium, France and Luxembourg. The reported aim was to cause damage, and the companies received no messages or demands for payment.

KVF interviewed Niels Mortensen, chief executive of the SMS group, which includes Miklagarður, Bónus and Mylnan; Tony Rasmussen, chief executive of wholesaler Poul Hansen, which also includes the Á stores and Samkeyp; and Gunnar Mohr, chief executive of wholesaler PM.