Advance Auto Parts has shown that data from 14 stores might have been impacted by a breach of its computer network. Customer financial information of up to 56,000 customers might have been impacted. Stores in Atlanta, College Park, Ga.; Columbus, Ohio; Covington, La.; Canal Fulton, Ohio; Garden City, Ga.; Gretna, La.; Mansfield, Ohio; Memphis; Natchez, Miss.; Norcross, Ga.; Paoli, Ind.; Richmond, Va.; and Syracuse, N.Y., are on the list. Advance says it has notified its credit, debit and check processors. As a precautionary measure, the company has also started sending letters directly to the impacted customers whom it has been able to identify. Customers who purchased products in the 14 stores and who do not receive a letter can call a toll-free number to determine if they have been impacted. Advance is also working with the appropriate law enforcement officials who are conducting a criminal investigation. The company believes that the incident has been contained. However, the company is continuing to investigate and has partnered with a leading global third party security expert to assist in the investigation. In addition, Advance continually partners with leading experts to enhance the security of information technology systems. "Safeguarding our customers' confidential financial information is extremely important to Advance Auto Parts, and we take this responsibility very seriously," says Darren Jackson, president and CEO. Advance has provided additional information on its Web site, www.advanceautoparts.com, for potentially impacted customers from its 14 stores to review. Advance has also established a special toll-free number with dedicated resources for potentially impacted customers who made purchases in the 14 stores to call to ask questions. The special toll-free number is (800) 704-1154. Customer service representatives will be available to answer questions seven days a week from 8 a.m. until midnight EDT through May 31. Advance has arranged to help affected customers who made purchases in the 14 stores protect their identity and credit information. Advance is offering the affected customers a credit monitoring product from a national credit reporting agency at no cost for one year. This product allows affected customers to monitor their financial information from all three national credit reporting agencies. | 
