Chili’s Restaurants Suffer Credit Card Data Breach

The credit card details from some Chili’s customers who visited the restaurant between March and April of this year have been compromised following the discovery of malware, according to a report.

Bleeping Computer reported that the malware was detected by Chili’s parent company Brinker International on May 11, and reported to the public the same day.

“Based on the current details it was able to gather, the company said the malware appears to have infected some of its payment systems from where it gathered credit or debit card numbers and cardholder names,” they explained, adding that it is currently unknown as to how many customers have been affected.

In a statement, Chili’s apologized to customers before providing advice on what to do next.

“This notice is to make you aware that some Chili’s restaurants have been impacted by a data incident, which may have resulted in unauthorized access or acquisition of your payment card data, and to provide you information on steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize the possibility of misuse of your information,” the company declared. “We sincerely apologize to those who may have been affected and assure you we are working diligently to resolve this incident.”

“We immediately activated our response plan upon learning of this incident. We are working with third-party forensic experts to conduct an investigation to determine the details of what happened,” they continued. “We are working diligently to address this issue and our priority will continue to be doing what is right for our Guests. We are committed to sharing additional information on this ongoing investigation with our Guests as we learn more.”

Though Chili’s claimed customers “do not have to close” their bank accounts or credit cards, they advised people to “monitor your bank and credit card statements for accuracy,” adding, “If you notice any suspicious activity or you believe your information is being misused, please contact your bank.”

“If you used your payment card at a Chili’s restaurant between March – April, 2018, it does not mean you were affected by this incident,” Chili’s proclaimed. “However, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that you remain vigilant and consider taking one or more of the following steps to avoid identity theft, obtain additional information, and protect your personal information.”