ROCK HILL, S.C. — By Wednesday, Zaxby's customers in Rock Hill will likely see a notice hung at both restaurants, telling them about a security breach of the computer system at more than 100 locations.
The popular chicken restaurant announced that suspicious files were found on its computers in 10 states. Those files could have been used to steal names, as well as credit and debit card numbers from customers. In the Charlotte area, two of the restaurants targeted were in Rock Hill, a third in Lincolnton.
Sammy Bruce owns the two Rock Hill Zaxby's restaurants, and one in Fort Mill.
"We just own three restaurants, and it's amazing that people want to attack you this way. We never thought this would happen," Bruce said.
He told Channel 9 that the corporate office in Athens, Ga., discovered the suspicious files and immediately alerted the affected restaurants.
"They removed the file, and they let us know that it had happened," he said.
What's not clear is if any personal information from customers was actually taken. However, because of the potential for fraud, the company is urging customers to keep an eye on their credit card statements and bank account balances.
"It upsets me, but it doesn't shock me," said lunchtime customer Robin Hayes. Many customers said this is because of last year's massive hacking scandal.
At the South Carolina Department of Revenue, they feel much less secure about their personal information.
"If they can get into the government, if they can get into the pentagon, they can find their way into anything," Hayes said.
Hayes always pays with cash when he eats out, but most people don't.
Several customers channel nine spoke to said they're worried about what hackers can do, but aren't likely to go back to cash only.
"It's just one of the things we have to face in this society because of where our technology has gone," said Adrian Hemby.
"I think in this day and age with technology, it's going to happen for business, and I'm sure they're doing their best to keep security up," said another customer Sally Duren.
Zaxby's owner, Bruce, said there is already new security software in place along with upgraded firewalls to protect against hackers and malicious files.
He acknowledges, it's not easy to stay ahead of the bad guys.
"It's just hard to keep 'em out," he said.
Though there is no evidence yet that the security breach exposed any sensitive information, Bruce plans to post signs in his two restaurants telling customers what happened.
Zaxby's corporate office said it has corrected the problem and contacted police. There is an active, ongoing investigation.
WSOC
