Daily Brief: Cyber threats and digital change

Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 3 November, covering five developments in technology, from major cyberattacks and data breaches to advances in military AI and Europe's transition to digital communications.

Cyberattacks disrupt supermarket refrigeration across Europe

Supermarkets across Europe have reported suspected cyberattacks targeting their refrigeration systems, causing temperatures to rise and forcing some stores to dispose of spoiled food.

Around 75 locations in Belgium were reportedly affected, alongside stores in Sweden, Ireland, Estonia, the Netherlands and Finland. Belgium's federal prosecutor's office has opened an investigation.

The incidents follow a similar attack on hundreds of French supermarkets in October. Refrigeration suppliers say outdated software may have left some systems vulnerable.

Cathay Pacific reports data breach affecting 53,000 bookings

Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific says around 53,000 bookings were affected by a security breach at Spanish travel technology provider Amadeus.

The breach, discovered on 28 October, exposed passenger names, booking references and flight details. Some additional personal information was also compromised, although Cathay Pacific says there is no evidence that payment information was accessed.

Japan Airlines and South Korea's Asiana Airlines have also reported customer data breaches linked to Amadeus. Investigations are continuing.

Germany, UK plan joint military AI development

The United Kingdom and Germany have announced plans to jointly test and develop artificial intelligence for military use, expanding their existing Cyber Lighthouse cybersecurity partnership.

British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the cooperation would help both countries strengthen their armed forces and respond to emerging security threats.

Government and industry representatives are expected to meet in spring 2027 to develop the plans. No specific AI systems or budgets have been announced.

UK prepares to switch off analogue phone network

The United Kingdom is preparing to shut down its traditional analogue telephone network on 31 January 2027, with around one million copper-based lines still active.

Network operator Openreach has warned that businesses could face disruptions to payment terminals, emergency lift phones, fire alarms and security systems unless they switch to digital alternatives.

Households will still be able to use landline phones through internet-based connections. Meanwhile, the European Union is proposing to phase out copper networks across member states by the end of 2035.

Binance resumes withdrawals after $6.3 billion crypto theft

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has announced a phased resumption of withdrawals after covering 95 per cent of the $6.3 billion in digital assets stolen in a major cyberattack.

Withdrawals involving bitcoin, ether and several other cryptocurrencies were scheduled to resume on 1 November.

The FBI has accused North Korea's state-sponsored TraderTraitor hacking group of carrying out the theft and warned that the stolen assets could be laundered through cryptocurrency networks.

Binance says replacing the remaining assets may take longer because of limited liquidity.

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Daily Brief Technology Cybersecurity AI