Jun 12, 2014

P.F. Chang’s Breach: Cyber Hackers Get More Than Just Lettuce Wraps, To Go

While official word has not yet been given, sources say that P.F. Changs is investigating claims that thousands of credit and debit card numbers have been stolen from their myriad restaurant locations across the country. Security researcher Brian Krebs suggests that the idea of “breach” first surfaced when banks realized thousands of stolen cards reportedly appeared on the same black market as did those stolen from Target during last year’s crisis. Early indications seem to show that the card numbers were strategically pilfered from Chang’s between March and May of 2014. The Scottsdale-based national chain has not yet officially confirmed the breach, however, a spokes person did offer, "P.F. Chang's takes these matters very seriously and is currently investigating the situation, working with the authorities to learn more … We will provide an update as soon as we have additional information." That being said, it is already projected that this breach will not be quite as severe as was the Target situation that impacted up to 110 million people. By the same token, it will likely be the largest since Sally Beauty was ransacked for 200,000 customer card numbers. Maybe it’s time for Companies to seriously begin considering EMV technology.