4 Easy-to-Do Tips to Defend Against the Target Hacks

4 Easy-to-Do Tips to Defend Against the Target Hacks

4 Easy-to-Do Tips to Defend Against the Target Hacks What should you do if you are a Target shopper, especially if you used your debit or credit card at Target stores between November 27, 2013 and December 15, 2013?

Don’t let your guard down. Remember, criminals now have three was to contact you.

  • If a person calls you claiming to be with your bank and references the Target hacks, hang up immediately and then call the toll-free number on your debit or credit card.
  • If you receive an email, do not click on any links. Go to www.target.com/databreach for all legitimate communication. Always type this URL into the bar manually; never just click the link.
  • Never respond to paper mail.

Be proactive; don’t just sit around and wait for something to happen.

  • Contact Target at 866-852-8680 if you suspect unauthorized activity on your account(s).
  • Inspect your bank and credit card statements thoroughly. Criminals will “test” stolen cards by spending just a few cents before using it for larger purchases.

Sign up for credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

  • Remember, Target is offering this for FREE!
  • If you don’t want to wait, do some Internet research, choosing monitoring and protection companies that are “Better Business Bureau certified,” or ask friends or family members for references.

If your debit or credit card information is saved at other websites (ie. Amazon, iTunes, Etsy, etc.), remove it. Some online retailers allow purchasers to bypass passwords if they know the last 4 digits of the card.

Bonus: Target is offering FREE credit monitoring through Protect my ID, a part of Experian. Here’s the link to sign up: https://creditmonitoring.target.com/#?v=1B19TW011314

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

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.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”