Hackers target cooling systems in attacks spreading across Europe

Cyberattacks on cooling systems have been reported across Europe since mid-October and now in the United States, with security officials treating the incidents as possible sabotage, BR reported.

The attacks could put blood supplies at risk. In a typical operation, doctors might rely on refrigerated blood stored nearby; if a hacked unit reached 50 degrees Celsius, the supplies could spoil and turn a routine procedure into an emergency.

The FBI has warned of attacks on critical infrastructure around the world. “We are observing these systems being targeted worldwide across various sectors,” said Brett Leatherman, head of the bureau’s cyber division.

Joachim Wagner of Germany’s Federal Agency for Security in Information Technology said the attacks follow a clear pattern and that authorities must currently assume sabotage. Most previous hacking attacks aimed to extort companies or individuals by encrypting their data, or to steal valuable information. In this case, the hackers appear focused on causing damage by targeting cooling systems.

IT security adviser and author Thomas Köhler said he would not yet call the attacks “cyberwar,” but described an escalating global struggle for control of cyberspace. He said attackers were moving beyond computers and servers and were now able to access and control devices at scale, bringing cyberattacks into people’s lives. Automated AI agents could also be involved in attacking equipment autonomously and in large numbers.

Köhler said he had found a video on the Telegram messaging service in which a known pro-Russian hacker group threatened further attacks to expose what it called the West’s “incompetence.” Such videos are often made by opportunists claiming responsibility for others’ actions, he said. But this video linked to a claim of responsibility, which in turn linked to a download page on the dark web containing files and documents presented as evidence of the group’s involvement. Köhler said this was not conclusive proof, but was a strong indication. He said it suggested the Russian government had ordered or at least approved the attacks.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Russian involvement, calling the claims unsubstantiated and saying accusations against Russia had become a persistent trend in European countries.

Köhler fears the attacks could worsen, citing the group’s announcement that it would next target water supplies. Authorities have been warned and now have an opportunity to take defensive measures.