Target Hacked: Credit Card Security Breach at Target

 Beware! Target Credit Card Breach ✍️

If you’ve shopped at Target recently using a credit card, it’s important to examine your credit card account.

The largest US store was victimized by a massive security breach of payment information and if you’re a Target customer or you have been in the middle of certain dates and times, you should be aware and determine whether this has an impact on you, regardless of the number of transactions you’ve completed or the amount you spent.

 The Target Breach ✍️

Although the specifics of the breach remain unclear a picture is beginning to emerge.

The attackers managed to install malicious software on payment desk computer systems at more than 1,800 Target stores.

It’s not clear how attackers managed to accomplish this in so many stores.

Between November 27 to December 15th the software took information from credit or debit cards used by customers who wanted to pay in brick and mortar Target stores. Credit Card Security Breach at Target.

This allowed attackers to access customer names as well as credit card numbers, CVV security codes, and date of expiration (with debit cards, as well as credit cards as well as debit cards).

This has been proven to be an extremely serious and widespread security breach.

The security of as many as 40 million credit/debit card accounts could be compromised. Shortly after the incident, the issuers of credit cards began to identify fraudulent activities throughout all of the U.S.

Target is now being sued by a variety of customers over the breach, which could result in millions of dollars in damages that are being to be paid.

 Are I at Risk? ✍️

The attack occurred between November 27 through December 15, 2013. Therefore, should you have paid for your purchase with a credit or debit card at a U.S. brick and mortar Target store in this period you must assume that you’re at risk?

The information gathered from the magnetic stripe on your card could be used to create counterfeit credit cards.

It was not an incident of server data being compromised therefore you’re not at risk if have made purchases online at Target.

If you’ve been the victim of this huge fraud Please leave a comment and share your story to assist others who might be in the same situation.

 What can I do to Secure My Account? ✍️

There isn’t a lot that could be done to stop the hackers from gaining access to your personal information if they’ve been able to obtain the details already. In this situation, your only option is to be extremely alert.

The best way to stay vigilant is to keep a very vigilant eye on your credit statement and notify your credit card company immediately if you spot any suspicious transactions.

Account alerts can be created using online credit card management tools, and fraudulent alerts are registered with all of the major agencies for credit monitoring.

The credit card issuer or bank could also help in keeping an eye on matters for you.

For instance, JP Morgan Chase has temporarily reduced the daily limit for spending on the most vulnerable cards, and other banks are stepping up security and keeping a vigilant eye on fraudulent activities.

Target has announced that they will provide free credit monitoring to any customers who have been impacted by fraud.

If you had credit cards at Target during the time mentioned the best way to safeguard yourself is to close your account and request that your credit card company provide a new credit card.

Target Breach More Serious Than Thought: Target announced on 1-10-2014 that the number of affected credit card accounts is more than double what they initially believed. The number has increased to 110 million potential affected accounts. It is important to note that it’s not only target credit cards that are brand-named store brands affected. All credit cards that are used at Target not just during the period between November 27 and December 15, 2013, but at other times too could be affected.