Target responds to massive breach
Last night, it was leaked that nearly 40 million Target customers may be affected by a security breach at the big box retailer, wherein between November 27 and December 15, some of the busiest shopping days of the year, shoppers’ credit and debit card information was compromised.
In a statement, Target addressed customers potentially affected by the breach, confirming that “the unauthorized access to Target payment data” at its retail locations, not their online store, lasting three weeks during the holiday shopping season.
“Your trust is a top priority for Target, and we deeply regret the inconvenience this may cause,” the company stated this morning, which many are already saying is canned and cold, given the circumstances.
What data has been stolen? Everything
The security breach was not just a credit card number here and there, no, Target has actually confirmed that other information stolen includes customer names, their credit and debit card numbers, the card expiration dates, and even the three digit security code on the back of the cards.
“We are partnering with a leading third-party forensics firm to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and to examine additional measures we can take that would be designed to help prevent incidents of this kind in the future,” Target noted in a statement.
Assuaging consumers’ fears
Although Target is repeatedly saying that their payment systems are now secure and it is safe to shop via credit card in their stores, they still recommend that potentially affected customers review their accounts regularly for signs of fraud.
“If you see something that appears fraudulent, REDcard holders should contact Target,” explains the company in an FAQ, “others should contact their bank.”
