The fast-growing hoagie franchise, PrimoHoagies, announced yesterday that it suffered a data security incident. The company revealed unauthorized third-parties were able to access customer payment card information. PrimoHoagies indicated it began working with industry-leading cybersecurity firms to assist with an investigation upon discovery.
The company announced additional measures it took to remedy the situation. PrimoHoagies contacted card companies to prevent fraudulent activity on any affected cards and notified law enforcement officers about the incident.
According to Primo, the breach only impacted payment cards used for online purchases not those used for in-store purchases. The company’s investigation revealed the breach likely involved cards used by customers for online purchases between July 15, 2019 and February 18, 2020. The compromised information included names, addresses, card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes.
According to Primo, the issue has since been resolved. Primo has also adjusted the payment platform.
The company encourages customers to carefully review and monitor their payment card account statements. PrimoHoagies is also offering complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services for its customers. Primo customers can find further information for customers including how to enroll in these free services at the PrimoHoagies website. The company also set up a dedicated call center to address the incident–1-833-979-2218.
Data Breaches on the Rise at Quick Service Outlets
Data breaches are on the rise for all kinds of businesses, including quick service restaurants.
Other QSRs have recently fallen victim to similar breaches. On May 29, the parent company of fast-food chains Checkers and Rally’s informed customers it found malware at more than 100 restaurants. The program was installed on the point-of-sale systems and was designed to take credit-card information, but not personal information, the company said.
Earl Enterprises, multiple quick service restaurants, suffered a similar breach in 2018-2019. The company estimated the breach affected some 2 million customers. The breach took place between May 23rd, 2018 and March 18th, 2019 and impacted restaurant locations of Buca di Beppo, Earl of Sandwich, Planet Hollywood, Chicken Guy!, Mixology, and Tequila Taqueria outlets. The company launched a website for customers to check if the breach impacted a location.
Customers eating at Darden-owned Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen between November 3, 2017 and January 2, 2018 may have had information stolen. Darden estimates the breach could have compromised 567,000 card numbers. Darden Restaurants announced in August that it had been notified by government officials that it was the victim of a cyberattack.
Panera Bread confirmed on April 2, 2018 that it was notified of a data leak on its website. At the time, it said personal information, including names, addresses, and partial credit card numbers may have leaked.
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