Cyberattack on Köniz butcher shop and federal warning on targeted attacks, Digi Mart USA News (Köniz, Switzerland): The cyberattack on the refrigeration systems of a butcher shop in Köniz shows that Swiss businesses can also become targets. Organizations that neglect basic protective measures can be especially easy targets for cybercriminals, according to the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS), which responded to a request from 20 Minuten.
The office said the threat level for critical infrastructure remains high and that attacks have become more targeted and sophisticated in recent years. “Any organization that neglects fundamental protective measures, such as consistently updating its systems, is basically at risk,” said Manuela Sonderegger, BACS media spokesperson.
The federal government says it has observed a worsening situation.
The office has observed that attacks are increasingly “individualized and targeted,” and that artificial intelligence plays a role. “AI increases the speed and scalability and partially reduces the expertise required.” In practical terms, criminals can search for security gaps faster and target more potential victims at once.
They generally act opportunistically, seeking maximum gain with minimal effort, Sonderegger said.
The office did not comment on possible perpetrators or any state involvement in the Köniz case. Responsibility for protecting critical systems is shared by the federal government, cantons and operators.
“The principle of self-responsibility applies,” Sonderegger said. Operators must protect their systems, assess risks and prepare for possible incidents.
“The federal government supports, coordinates and sets the framework conditions, but does not replace this responsibility.”
The Köniz case is part of a wave of attacks in Europe. Since mid-October, supermarket chains in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Estonia and Ireland have reported manipulated refrigeration systems.
One attack in France was especially serious: at about 700 stores, refrigerated shelves were heated for hours to as much as 50 degrees Celsius. Large quantities of food had to be discarded, and the damage is estimated at several million.
