9 November 2026 · 5 min
Cold chain: temperature holds up when data can be verified
Inside the counter
Let's see how temperature data becomes proof: identified counter, recorded access, protected logs.
Exteryo Report Editorial Team
Following attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems in several European countries, some large chains are requesting checks from suppliers.
The short answer
- Identityeach counter is unambiguously recognised
- Accesswhoever changes a parameter leaves a trace
- Logslogs cannot be modified retrospectively
- Networkscontrol travels separately from the rest
The short answer
The continuity of the cold chain can be proven, not just declared.
Why it's not simple
A recording thermometer is enough, and the cold chain is under control.
There's more.
Why it's not simple
The reported incidents affected remote supervision systems, from which set temperatures can be modified: the data is only as good as the trust in whoever can write it.
Chapter 1 of 4
How do you prove that the recorded temperature is the one actually maintained?
The proof
A recorded temperature is proof when you know which counter measured it and that no one altered it afterwards.
The source
According to ANSA reports on cybersecurity in the cold chain, attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems have prompted some large chains to request checks from suppliers.
ANSA – Manager azienda frigo, sicurezza informatica essenziale per catena del freddo ↗
Three levels together
The chains' question is simple: did the equipment maintain the declared conditions?
1 of 3
Identify the counter
2 of 3
Track who touched it and when
3 of 3
Protect the log
The proof
To answer, three levels are needed together: identify the counter, track who touched it and when, protect the log from subsequent modifications.
Note
Physical security concerns the goods; information security concerns the data describing them. A reliable cold chain needs both.
Chapter 2 of 4
Who can modify a counter's parameters remotely, and how is it recorded?
Access
Remote supervision is an advantage for counter managers: it makes timely intervention possible, if every access is protected and recorded.
The source
The reported incidents involved remote supervision and control systems, through which set temperatures and other operating parameters can be modified. Authorities have drawn attention to obsolete systems, inadequately protected access and interfaces exposed on the internet, as reported by ANSA.
ANSA – Manager azienda frigo, sicurezza informatica essenziale per catena del freddo ↗
Immutable log
An immutable log is a register where every modification is added without deleting the previous one.
Immutable log
With profiled access, it tells who changed which parameter and at what time.
Two configurations
- Plug-incounter with autonomous refrigeration unit
- Remote planta refrigeration plant serves multiple counters
- Boththey connect to remote supervision
Chapter 3 of 4
What changes if each counter communicates without the store's network?
Separate networks
A dedicated SIM per counter reduces interdependencies with the store network and leaves remote monitoring intact.
Before moving on
To how many countries does Isa export its commercial refrigeration equipment?
The source
Isa, a company from Bastia Umbra that exports commercial refrigeration equipment to over a hundred countries, adopts a configuration with a dedicated SIM for each unit for plug-in counters. Each counter communicates with the platform without using the store's network and without a common local supervisor, Marco Giulietti explains to ANSA.
ANSA – Manager azienda frigo, sicurezza informatica essenziale per catena del freddo ↗
Separate networks
With segmented controls, the autonomy of the counters helps contain the effects of an incident and keep uninvolved equipment operational. Security must still be maintained along the entire connection, up to the platform.
Separate networks
- Plug-in with dedicated SIMDirect Communication with the platform, outside the store network
- Remote plantSeparation of control networks matters
Chapter 4 of 4
What checks should be requested from suppliers to trust remote control?
Checks
Remote control is reliable when the supplier can show who accesses it, from where and with what trace.
The source
Isa states it supports customers in checks, in coordination with supervision system manufacturers and in line with the recommendations of the National Cybersecurity Agency. The stated goal is to protect goods and minimise interruptions, even in the event of a cyber incident, according to ANSA.
ANSA – Manager azienda frigo, sicurezza informatica essenziale per catena del freddo ↗
Checks
«Cybersecurity is now an essential requirement for the continuity of the cold chain»
Checks
Equipment autonomy, connection segmentation and digital system protection are, in Giulietti's words, complementary elements. For buyers, they become precise questions to ask the supplier.
In a sentence
Cold protects the goods. The log protects the truth about the cold.
Exteryo Report
Takeaway
Checks for reliable remote control. To ask the supplier before trusting temperature data.
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Sources
- ANSA – Manager azienda frigo, sicurezza informatica essenziale per catena del freddoansa.it↗
- Exteryo Report – Sicurezza degli asset e dei datiexteryo.com↗
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ExteryoExteryo Report · 9 November 2026