Report: Hannaford Upgrades Card-Security System

Scarborough, Maine Hannaford Bros. is upgrading its card-security system as it gears up to defend itself in a class-action lawsuit, according to a report in the Portland Press Herald.

The changes are a part of an effort to better detect any intrusions into Hannaford's computer network. In March, the company announced that data thieves had attacked its system. Hannaford expects to spend millions of dollars on the changes, but has not disclosed an estimate.

Hannaford has consulted with experts from General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, IBM, Cisco and Microsoft to ensure the highest levels of information security, according to the report.

Hannaford is working to install the triple-DES PIN encryption system to guard against theft of customer credit-card and debit-card numbers, the report said. New PIN pads are being installed at all the Hannaford stores and Sweetbay grocery stores in Florida operated by Hannaford.

The process is to be completed at all Hannaford and Sweetbay stores in the next few weeks.