Jimmy John's is alerting customers of a possible security breach at several locations across the country, including one near the University of Northern Iowa campus.

According to the company, Jimmy John's at 2016 College Street in Cedar Falls was impacted by the data issue. It's among four franchisees in Iowa -- joining locations in Ames, Ankeny and Des Moines -- where the security breach is believed to have occurred. In all, data was apparently stolen from 216 Jimmy John's sandwich shops in 37 states between mid-June and early September, 2014.

Company officials say they learned of the potential security breach on July 30th and immediately hired third-party forensic experts to assist with the probe. Investigators believe someone stole log-in credentials and remotely installed malware on machines used to swipe credit and debit cards.

A company news release says that cards impacted by the breach appear to be those swiped at the stores, and did not include those entered manually or online. The stolen information may include the card number, the cardholder’s name, verification code, and/or the card’s expiration date. Company officials say information entered online, such as customer address, e-mail, and password, remains secure.

According to Jimmy John's, the security compromise has been contained and customers can use their credit and debit cards securely at all locations. The company says it has taken steps to prevent this type of event from occurring in the future.

Jimmy John’s is offering identity protection services to impacted customers. For more information, call (855) 398-6442. In addition, customers are encouraged to monitor their credit and debit card accounts, and notify their bank if they notice any suspicious activity.

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