Soldotna-based fast food and ice cream retailer Dairy Queen was hacked in part of a large data breach that reached nearly 400 stores nationwide, according to data the company released Thursday.
The Soldotna store was compromised from Aug. 5-31 according to information made public by International Dairy Queen Inc.
The company reported that stores had been infected with malware known as Backoff, which has been targeting retailers around the country.
Backoff malware has infected numerous businesses in the United States, currently more than 1,000 have been identified, according to the Secret Service.
The hacked systems in Dairy Queen stores contained payment card customer names, numbers and expiration dates, according to a media release. Thus far, there is no evidence that other customer information like social security numbers, PINS or email addresses were also stolen, according to the release.
Along with the release, the company also suggests that customers contact their banks or credit card issuers to ensure that no fraud has been committed — in addition it will offer identity repair services with AllClear SECURE for one year to customer’s in the U.S. who used their cards at one of the affected locations during the relevant time period.
The Soldotna store is the only one in Alaska believed to have been affected, according to company data.
The malware has been identified and ‘contained,’ according to the media release, and no longer presents a threat to customers who want to use their cards at affected Dairy Queen stores.
Several stores have been hit by data breaches in recent months including Kmart, Home Depot, Target and Neiman Marcus.
In this April 4, 2012 file photo, a line of customers waits outside the Soldotna Dairy Queen waiting for the store to reopen after a fire. International Dairy Queen Inc., on Thursday reported that the store, and nearly 400 others, had been targeted by hackers between August and October.
