
Stolen: 40 million credit cards.
It seems like Target keeps getting more and more popular with consumers as they work alongside high-end brands and continue to innovate new products. However, with popularity comes a risk. The bigger the target, the more people shooting. An estimated 40 million credit cards were stolen from Target in one of the largest security breeches ever. Apparently hackers were able to insert malware into the credit card scanning machines at Target stores, and that malware means hackers have access to names, expiration dates, and the three-digit CVV code on every credit card swiped. Even more damaging, the lucrative theft took place over the biggest shopping period in the calendar year: Black Friday weekend (and beyond).
“Target’s first priority is preserving the trust of our guests and we have moved swiftly to address this issue, so guests can shop with confidence,” said Target chairman, president, and CEO Gregg Steinhafel. “We regret any inconvenience this may cause. We take this matter very seriously and are working with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.”
Target has advised customers who have shopped at any Target store between the dates of November 27 and December 15 to carefully check their credit and debit card statements and to contact their card company in case of any fraudulent charges. Target has 1797 stores in the United States and 124 in Canada, all of which are believed to be impacted by the credit card machine hack. Target has asked that customers who suspect unauthorized credit card activity contact them at 866-852-8680.
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