Michaels Stores, Inc., an arts and crafts retailer, has confirmed that shoppers at its Turlock store may have been affected by a eight-month data breach.

The company found out about the breach, caused by a malware infection, in January. Officials announced on Thursday that the breach has been fully contained.

Approximately 2.6 million credit cards used across the nation in Michaels and Aaron Brothers stores were affected.

At this time, Michaels Stores, Inc., is saying that there is no evidence that personal information, such as name and address, was at risk.

“Our customers are always our number one priority and we are truly sorry for any inconvenience
or concern Michaels may have caused,” said Chuck Rubin, CEO of Michaels Stores. “… Importantly, with this incident now fully contained, we can assure customers this malware no longer presents a threat to shoppers at Michaels or Aaron Brothers.”

The breach took place over an eight-month period beginning on May 8, 2013 and ending on Jan. 27.

The Turlock store, located at 3151 Geer Rd., was affected during the following dates:
-May 8, 2013 to Aug. 12, 2013
-Aug. 31, 2013 to Oct. 8, 2013
-Oct. 17, 2013 to Nov. 24, 2013
-Dec. 11, 2013 to Jan. 18, 2014

If you believe your credit card has been affected, you should immediately contact your bank or card issuer.

Michaels also said that it will never ask for personal information through email or over the phone. Shoppers should be suspicious of any unsolicited communication asking for personal information.

“In an era where very sophisticated and determined criminals have proven capable of successfully attacking a wide range of computer networks, we must all increase our level of vigilance. Michaels is committed to working with all appropriate parties to improve the security of payment card transactions for all consumers,” said Rubin.