SuperValu Security Breach: Hackers Break Into Payment Networks, Albertson’s Brands Also Affected

Albertson’s and SuperValu security issues are the latest to make headlines after the grocery retailer’s payment networks were hacked. The chains announced Friday that hackers broke into the debit card and credit card payment systems, though the extent of damage isn’t known yet.

According to CNN Money, the Albertson’s and SuperValu security issues also include Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market, Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s, Farm Fresh, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, and Shop ‘N Save brand stores. Some liquor stores within the SuperValu brand may also have been affected. The chains have not yet detailed how many customers may be affected by the payment system hacking, and it is not yet known for certain whether data was stolen.

SuperValu’s security breach is said to affect credit cards used at their stores between June 22 and July 17 across their 228 stores. Albertson’s has 1,060 locations and says it believes at least 700 were affected. Both Alberton’s and SuperValu use the same technology system, and at this point it is not known which store was hit first. SuperValu says the security issue has been fixed and it is safe to use the credit card swiping terminals at its stores.

As ABC News notes, this hacking breach is the latest in a long line of similar incidents over the past year or so. Target made headlines when they acknowledged a similar issue over the holiday shopping season, and other named brands affected include Goodwill, P.F. Chang’s, Michaels Stores Inc., and Neiman Marcus.

Reports indicate that so far there are no signs that any customer data has been misused. Rather, the information about the Albertson’s and SuperValu security breach was made public in “an abundance of caution,” the company indicates. Affected customers are being offered a year of consumer identity protection services.

The Target breach led to big expenses and changes for the corporation. The company recently said that the cost to them for their breach could reach as high as $148 million. In addition, the company’s CEO Gregg Steinhafel resigned in the wake of the breach.

Though the Albertson’s and SuperValu security breaches are still under investigation, Reuters notes that the issue came via the point-of-sale systems in stores, which is where some other systems have been hacked as well. The hacking was identified by the company’s internal team, and it is possible that the theft of information may have included customer’s names, card numbers, security codes, and expiration dates. Will this SuperValu security breach, after so many others taking place as well, change the way you shop?

[Image via Coates Media]