Target Hack Affected 70 Million Customers

Target Hack Affected 70 Million Customers

Target Hack Affected 70 Million CustomersRemember the 40 million shoppers who got "scrooged" during the holidays by the sophisticated Target hackers? Well, guess what? Through further investigation, Target Corp. issued a statement that it was a bigger hack than expected. It’s going to end up being more than 70 million who were affected, making it the largest retail breach in history, according to David Kennedy, former U.S. Marine Corps cyber-intelligence analyst.

To date, the largest known breach at a U.S. retailer was in 2007 at TJX Companies, Inc., which includes stores like T-J-Maxx, Marshalls and Homegoods. Data from more than 90 million credit cards was stolen over approximately an 18 month period. But, what’s so concerning about the Target breach is the vast amount of data that was breached within only a 19 day period.

So, what all was stolen?

According to Target spokeswoman, Molly Snyder:

  • Names;
  • Mailing addresses;
  • Phone numbers;
  • Email address of customers; and
  • Those who swiped their cards during the 19-day breach period of November 27, 2012 to December 15, 2012.

(Personally, I wonder if pharmacy information was stolen as well, as Target Pharmacy is my pharmacy of choice. Anyone else out there wondering the same?)

“I know that it is frustration for our guests to learn that this information was taken, and we are truly sorry they are having to endure this,” said Gregg Steinhafel, chief executive of Target Corp.

Target Corp. is taking an active approach in responding to this breach by trying to reach customers for whom it has email address to inform them of the breach. Should you receive this email, be forewarned that it will not ask you to provide any personal information, and be careful not to respond to any emails claiming to be from Target.

The silver lining from this breach? Target customers will not be held liable for any cost of the fraudulent charges, and Target is offering one year of FREE credit monitoring and identity theft protection to all customers who shopped in U.S. stores.  Details on enrollment procedures will come out next week, but take note that the sign-up period will extend for 3 months, giving Target shoppers plenty of time to enroll. Customers will have three months to enroll in this program.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

  • Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    ISC West 2023 is right around the corner! This year’s trade show is scheduled from March 28–31 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Campus Security & Life Safety and Security Today staff will be on hand to provide live updates about the security industry’s latest innovations, trends, and products. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • A Break from Routine

    A Break from Routine

    It was three years ago right about now that COVID was bringing the world to its knees. In mid-March of 2020, the president put travel restrictions on all flights in and out of Europe, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks announced that he’d tested positive for the disease—all in the same night. It was officially a national emergency two days later. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    New DKU screw type terminal blocks use a spring-guided system where the screws are integrated and captive within the terminal enclosure. These screws can be backed out so that ring- or U-shaped cable lugs can be inserted, without the possibility of losing the screw. 3