Hackers Attack Supermarket Freezers in Europe
Listen to the story
A new cyberattack has hit the refrigeration systems of supermarkets in six European countries.
Hackers targeted the computer networks that control freezers used to keep food cold.
These networks are known as industrial control systems, and they manage temperature in many stores.
When hackers break into these systems, they can change settings or stop the equipment from working.
This can cause food to warm up and become unsafe to eat.
Experts say such attacks are becoming more common as stores rely more on connected technology.
Many supermarkets use smart devices to monitor temperature and save energy.
However, these same devices can also create new ways for hackers to enter a company's network.
Security researchers are studying how this specific attack happened and who may be responsible.
Companies affected are now working to fix the problem and strengthen their cybersecurity.
This includes checking software, updating passwords, and watching for unusual activity.
The case highlights a growing vulnerability in everyday business technology.
As more devices connect to the internet, experts warn that attacks on basic services like refrigeration could increase.
Governments and companies are being urged to improve protection for critical food and retail systems.
Vocabulary10 words
- refrigeration
- the system that keeps things cold
- hacker
- someone who breaks into computer systems
- industrial control system
- a computer system that runs machines in factories or stores
- cybersecurity
- protecting computers from attacks
- vulnerability
- a weak point that can be attacked
- network
- connected computers that share information
- device
- a small machine, like a sensor
- monitor
- to watch or check something
- software
- computer programs
- critical
- very important
📚 Ready to use these words in a real conversation?
Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.
Quiz
Answer key
1. Refrigeration control systems 2. They can give hackers new ways into networks 3. Strengthening cybersecurity measures
✅ Nice work on the quiz!
Keep the momentum going — book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A new cyberattack has hit the refrigeration systems of supermarkets in six European _____.
Hackers targeted the computer _____ that control freezers used to keep food cold.
These networks are known as industrial control _____, and they manage temperature in many stores.
When hackers break into these systems, they can change _____ or stop the equipment from working.
This can cause food to warm up and become _____ to eat.
Experts say such attacks are becoming more common as stores rely more on connected _____.
Many supermarkets use smart _____ to monitor temperature and save energy.
Security researchers are studying how this specific attack happened and who may be _____.
Companies affected are now working to fix the problem and strengthen their _____.
The case highlights a growing _____ in everyday business technology.
Discussion questions
- Why might hackers target supermarket refrigeration systems instead of other targets?
- How could a cyberattack on freezers affect customers and food safety?
- What steps can companies take to protect their technology from hackers?
- Do you think everyday devices like fridges are becoming too connected to the internet? Why or why not?
🎓 Enjoyed this story?
Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.
