[Dataloss] IL: Debit card security breach at restaurant

[Chris Walsh]

It was IHOP.

 From the (I kid you not) "This Just In..." section:

http://www.sj-r.com/extras/breaking/index.asp#2772

IHOP upgrades credit card security after outside hack

Last Updated 5/25/2007 2:50:18 PM

The owner of a Springfield restaurant said today hackers who broke  
into the restaurant's computer network and compromised debit-card  
information were from outside the business, and that security has  
been upgraded.

Gene Rupnik, who owns the International House of Pancakes on Dirksen  
Parkway, confirmed the restaurant was the source of some of the debit- 
card alerts that have gone out from local banks in the past week.

He also said, as far as he knows, none of the customers suffered  
financial losses as a result of the security breach.

"I am assured now we are completely and totally protected," said  
Rupnik, who also owns the Day's Inn and Microtel Inn & Suites in  
Springfield.

Rupnik said, while this is the first time it has happened to one of  
his businesses, authorities have advised him they are looking into  
the possibility the problem goes beyond his restaurant, and perhaps  
beyond Springfield.

"It's retailers at risk, or any kind of business that accepts credit  
cards," said Rupnik.

Rupnik said customer credit and debit-card information is not stored  
at the restaurant, and that he learned of the security breach from  
the company that processes the transactions. He said an audit also  
eliminated the possibility of employee involvement.

The FBI has been notified of the security breach but has declined to  
confirm whether there is an investigation.


On May 25, 2007, at 9:18 AM, lyger wrote:

>
> http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/115219.asp
[...]
>
> The chain was not identified, but they said the security breach  
> involved
> Visa debit cards and apparently affected institutions throughout the
> community. The FBI has been notified.