Cyberattack on cooling system in Köniz: Federal office warns of growing AI threat
Following a hacker attack on a butcher's shop in Köniz, the Federal Office for Cybersecurity warns of more targeted attacks on critical infrastructure.
Cooling system hack in Köniz: Federal government sees rising danger from AI-backed cyberattacks
Hackers manipulated the cooling systems of a butcher's shop in the Bernese municipality of Köniz — and in doing so have exemplified, according to the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS), that Swiss businesses can also become targets. As 20 Minuten reports, the BACS warns: "The threat situation for critical infrastructure remains high, and attacks have become more targeted and sophisticated over recent years."
Media spokesperson Manuela Sonderegger of the BACS emphasises that any organisation that neglects fundamental protective measures — such as consistently updating systems — is fundamentally at risk. The federal government is observing a clear escalation of the situation.
Artificial intelligence accelerates attacks
The federal office notes that cyberattacks are increasingly carried out in a "more personalised and targeted" manner. Artificial intelligence plays a growing role in this: "AI increases speed and scalability and partly lowers the expertise required," according to the BACS.
Concretely, this means: criminals can identify security vulnerabilities more quickly and at the same time attack more potential targets. In doing so, they generally act opportunistically. "They attempt to achieve the greatest return with the least effort," says Sonderegger.
Regarding the question of possible perpetrators or state involvement in the Köniz case, the office makes no comment.
Operator responsibility demanded
Federal government, cantons and operators share joint responsibility for protecting critical systems. Operators must protect their systems, assess risks and prepare for possible incidents. "The federal government provides support, coordinates and establishes frameworks, but does not replace this responsibility," says Sonderegger.
Part of a Europe-wide attack wave
The incident in Köniz is part of a series of similar attacks across Europe. Since mid-October, supermarket chains in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Estonia and Ireland have reported manipulated cooling systems. France was hit particularly hard: in roughly 700 branches, cooling shelves were heated to up to 50 degrees Celsius for hours, and large quantities of food had to be disposed of. The damage is estimated at several million francs.
Source: 20 Minuten