German Supermarket Chain Tegut Cripples Under Cyberattacks, Exposing National Surge in Digital Threats
German supermarket chain Tegut recently faced major disruptions after falling victim to cyberattacks. The incident forced the company to shut down critical systems, leaving shelves empty and supply chains strained. Meanwhile, national data shows a sharp rise in digital threats across the country.
The cyberattacks on Tegut caused widespread operational problems. Automated inventory management and email servers were taken offline, forcing staff to manually track stock. This led to delays, shortages, and gaps on store shelves until services were fully restored.
Germany has seen a growing wave of cybercrime in recent years. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), recorded attacks jumped by 7.9% in 2020, reaching 108,474 cases. The surge was linked to the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, as criminals exploited weak points in home office setups.
Phishing emails have become a common tactic, tricking employees into visiting infected websites. Once inside, attackers target corporate IT systems, often through unsecured VPN tools or collaboration platforms. Experts recommend a four-step security approach: securing browsers, protecting iCloud data, using high-security VPNs, and safeguarding end devices.
Companies like Rohde & Schwarz now offer solutions to counter these threats. Their tools include Browser in the Box for secure web access, a secure cloud system with Microsoft, and R&S Trusted VPN Client for encrypted remote connections.
Tegut has since recovered from the cyberattacks, with all digital services back online. The incident highlights the growing risk of digital threats, particularly as remote work continues. Businesses are now under pressure to strengthen their IT defences against increasingly sophisticated attacks.
