GEORGE TOWN: While local hypermarkets are not overly concerned about cyberattacks targeting their refrigeration systems, preventive measures remain crucial to safeguarding their operations against potential threats.
Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd head of marketing Hussain Karim Ally said its freezer operations did not rely heavily on Internet of Things (IoT) technology or computerised remote-control systems.
However, he said any threat that could disrupt operations remained a concern as it could affect the business.
“For now, we prioritise regular equipment maintenance, routine temperature checks and monitoring by store personnel.
“We practise planned preventive maintenance (PPM) for our assets, with each piece of equipment covered by comprehensive service and maintenance contracts with appointed suppliers,” he said when contacted.
Hussain said Mydin currently has no plans to introduce IoT technology across its stores, including for the remote monitoring and control of freezer operations.
“However, we have not ruled out adopting the technology in the future as digital systems advance and security measures evolve to address emerging cyber threats.
“Any decision to embrace IoT would take into account potential cybersecurity risks, particularly those that could compromise critical equipment such as commercial freezers,” he said.
It was recently reported that hackers had targeted the refrigeration and freezer systems of several European supermarkets in a cyberattack involving internet-connected equipment and automated temperature-control systems.
The attack disrupted temperature controls, affecting food storage conditions and resulting in significant food wastage and financial losses.
Dozens of stores across several European countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom, were reportedly affected.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim informed the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysia was among the countries considered potential targets.
Hussain said Mydin would continue to adhere to established operational procedures to ensure the reliability of its refrigeration facilities and the safety of products stored across its outlets.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Group marketing communications senior manager Bryan Wong said the company’s freezers operated on standalone systems without internet connectivity or integration with IoT technology.
“Our freezer operations are managed locally, with no remote-control capabilities. This means external parties cannot access or manipulate the equipment through an internet-based connection,” he said.
Wong said the company continued to monitor technological and cybersecurity developments, but its existing offline operating model provided an additional layer of protection against potential disruptions.
