Is nothing safe anymore? Hackers are now turning to grocery stores to steal credit data, compromising more than 180 stores across the country in latest security breach.
SuperValu and Albertsons announced that their computer networks have been hacked and portions where credit and debit card details are stored have been accessed. However, only customers who made purchases using credit or debit cards in affected stores between June 22 and July 17 should be concerned, although the grocery chains are not even sure yet if credit and debit card details have been stolen in the first place. Still, the announcement was made "out of an abundance of caution" and the matter has already been addressed. SuperValu used to own Albertsons but sold the company in 2006. But since SuperValu takes care of IT services for Albertsons, it is possible that the breach started from the former.
"The safety of our customers' personal information is a top priority for us. The intrusion was identified by our internal team, it was quickly contained, and we have had no evidence of any misuse of any customer data. I regret any inconvenience that this may cause our customers but want to assure them that it is safe to shop in our stores," said President and CEO Sam Duncan in a statement Friday.
"As soon as we were notified of the incident, we began working closely with SUPERVALU to determine what happened. We understand the inconvenience and concern an incident like this can cause, and we deeply regret that our customers' data was targeted," added Mark Bates, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for AB Acquisition LLC, Albertsons' parent company.
While SuperValu has done what it can to contain the breach, it has also informed federal authorities of the incident and is cooperating fully in the investigation to identify the culprits as soon as possible. Major payment card brands have also been informed and are carrying out their own investigations.
Aside from 180 SuperValu stores, including those operating under the Farm Fresh, Cub Foods, Shop ‘n Save,Hornbacher's and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy brands, Albertson stores in Southern Utah, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, North DAkota, Montana, Idaho and Southern California; ACME markets in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania; Shaw's and Star Market branches in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine; and Jewel-Osco stores in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa were affected.
