URM Stores put credit card system back online

SPOKANE - A cyberattack targeting credit and debit cards at grocery stores across the Northwest, including Grant County, was blocked, according to URM Stores Inc.

The credit card systems were put back online late Monday night after enhanced security measures were implemented, designed to block the cyberattack against its payment processing system, according to a prepared statement from the Spokane-based grocery wholesaler. Customers can resume using credit, debit, EBT and gift cards in all member stores.

The extra security will not protect customers who used their cards at the stores before Nov. 25. The stores associated with URM includes Harvest Foods, with several locations in Grant County. URM stresses that anyone who used a card at an affiliated store prior to Nov. 25 should continue to pay close attention to their bank statements.

Lep-re-kon Harvest Foods shut down their credit card payment system last week after they were notified of the cyberattack, which did not affect customers at any of the Lep-re-kon locations, including Moses Lake, Othello, Royal City and Mattawa.

URM Stores recommended its stores only accept cash and checks until Monday's security measures were in place. A separate credit card payment system was set up at Lep-re-kon locations last week.

With the cyberattack blocked, URM is now focused on identifying cards that may have been affected and where the attack originated.

"After finding signs of an attack, we devoted all of our efforts to stopping it," URM Stores CEO Ray Sprinkle said Monday. "The investigation will now turn toward identifying what stores were affected and for how long. We are incredibly grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding, and we are humbled by their support and continue to extend our sincere apologies for the frustration and inconvenience caused by this incident."

URM is working with the Secret Service in the investigation to find those responsible.