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

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.