Suryaa International Desk: Cyber security experts are raising concerns over the safety of modern technology following incidents in Europe where hackers compromised supermarket freezer controllers. By increasing temperatures to 50 degrees Celsius, the attackers caused the loss of inventory worth lakhs of rupees. Experts state that this incident highlights significant security flaws within Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems.
Physical machinery such as freezers, industrial boilers, and water pumps are designed for long-term use, but the software and network systems controlling them often cease to receive security updates from manufacturers after several years. Furthermore, technicians frequently connect these machines to the public internet without secure firewalls or multi-factor authentication (MFA) to facilitate remote monitoring, providing easy access for hackers. Attackers are reportedly exploiting built-in processes, such as defrost cycles, to cause damage without requiring advanced coding skills.
Similar technology is currently utilized in hospital and office HVAC networks, municipal water supply systems, smart power grids, transportation cargo vehicles, and smart home devices. Experts note that cyber attacks have evolved beyond data theft to causing physical property damage. There is also a risk that freezer overheating could lead to short circuits and subsequent fires.
The connectivity of these devices may also provide hackers with entry points into an organization's primary databases. Professionals emphasize that failing to implement proper password protection and network segmentation for digital systems controlling physical machinery could lead to severe consequences. Industry sources are urging organizations using smart devices to conduct immediate security audits to prevent further disruptions to critical sectors.