Spur sent out a notice to some customers notifying them that an unknown party had gained access to a database containing customer names, emails, and phone numbers.

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Spur Steak Ranches has suffered a data breach affecting less than 5% of its restaurant membership database. An unknown party gained access to the database containing customer names, emails, and phone numbers.

The company sent out a notice on Friday morning informing some customers that there had been a “cybersecurity incident” where an “unknown party used a restaurant operator’s legitimate account and login details to gain access to some customer information”.

A spokesperson for Spur restaurant confirmed to News24 that the incident affected one restaurant-facing portal and that it affected less than 5% of the Spur restaurant membership database.

“We acknowledge that this may have caused concern and confirm that no passwords, ID numbers or other sensitive information were accessed,” the spokesperson for Spur restaurant said.

The notice said that the party gained access to a customer database operated by a third party. It said that the information was limited to customer names, email addresses and mobile numbers.

“We immediately stopped the activity and engaged independent cybersecurity and legal experts to investigate. We are also reviewing our processes and considering additional measures to enhance security going forward,” the notice said.

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Spur warned customers to watch out for unexpected emails, SMSs, or calls that ask people to click links, share personal details, or provide one-time passcodes.

The spokesperson said that independent forensic and legal experts conducted “a comprehensive investigation,” which has been completed.

The spokesperson said that the incident had no effect on restaurant operations.

There are 321 restaurants operating under the Spur brand in South Africa, and 34 in international markets.

Spur said it is taking the incident seriously and regrets any inconvenience it has caused.