ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The third-party operator of concessions and retail services at the Detroit Zoo is investigating a data security breach of their point-of-sale systems in gift shops at the zoo.
Service Systems Associates is reporting stolen credit card information. Malicious software, or "malware," was found in SSA's software, affecting purchases made at the zoo gift shops between March 23 and June 25, 2015.
In addition to credit and debit card numbers, the cyber hackers reportedly gained access to card holders' names, card expiration dates and three-digit CVV security codes.
A separate credit card processing system was installed at SSA retail outlets after they learned of the breach.
"We are obviously concerned that the vendor's system was compromised," said Gerry VanAcker, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) chief operating officer. "Transactions made since June 26 are not affected by the previous breach, and it is safe to use a credit or debit card at SSA's retail locations."
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The DZS IT systems, including those for ticket and membership sales, were not impacted by the data breach and are secure.
The Detroit Zoo's website has up-to-date information provided by the vendor (click here). Additional information is posted here. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.