Chain of Liquor-Store Based at Texas is Latest to Suffer Data Breach

Softpedia.com reported on 2nd April, 2014 stating that Spec's, a liquor store chain located in Houston, Texas, has suffered a data breach and cybercriminals gained access to computer systems of 34 stores for 17 months during which they might have stolen the details of almost 550,000 customers and employees.

The liquor outlet announced on its website in last week of March 2014 that the attack started from 31st October 2012 and attackers had access to the company's systems till 20th March, 2014.

The attackers had access to payment card and check information. The payment card includes names, credit and debit card numbers with expiry dates and security codes whereas check information includes bank account numbers, bank routing numbers, date of birth and in some cases driving license numbers.

Softpedia.com published news on 2nd April, 2014 quoting Jenifer Sarver, Spokeswoman of Spec's, as saying "it was a sophisticated cyberattack by a group that went to great lengths to ensure that it could not be identified."

She also confirmed that the breach affected less than 5% of Spec's total customer transactions during that period.

Chron.com published a statement on 28th March, 2014 quoting Sarver as saying "The issue has been resolved and data is no longer being obtained."

The affected cash registers have been replaced and the malware was removed from the computer systems of Spec's. Spec's hired a forensic investigator and also engaged a cyber security firm to strengthen security regarding information and also to prevent future attacks on its computer systems.

The company claimed that an investigation is going on with law enforcement and all impacted individuals are being offered one year free services of identity theft protection.

Sarver said that as the chase for the hacker continues, Spec's has neither taken any personnel action nor seen any reason to do it based on the report of the Secret Service.

The Houston-based chain (referring to Spec's) joins a long list of high-profile retailers from Target to Neiman Marcus which have been attacked with breaches during 2014. More customers were affected with those security breaches but Spec's hacking seems to have lasted much more longer before making it to public.

» SPAMfighter News - 4/8/2014