It has been two months since the Black Friday identity theft crisis began, and Target Corp. is still incurring the weight of the situation, as the estimation of individuals affected has increased from 40 to 110 million victims.
People who shopped at Target stores between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 are at risk of being part of the millions of customers who had their name, credit card and debit card information stolen.
The “Data Breach,” as Target Corp. refers to the incident, has been under thorough investigation.
Sarai Orozco, freshman early childhood studies major, was one of the many affected by the Target data breach.
“I felt scared because nothing like this has ever happened to me,” Orozco said.
One week following the incident, Orozco’s bank card was canceled and sent to the wrong address, only adding to the feelings of anxiety that the Target data breach created.
According to the Target website, Target’s forensic investigation has uncovered more information regarding the data breach.
The following statement was released Jan. 10 on Target Corp.’s official company website. “At this time, the investigation has determined that the stolen information includes names, mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses for up to 70 million individuals.”
Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Target Corp., extended apologies to the customers and associates effected by the identity theft.
Target wants their customers to have zero liability from any fraudulent charges incurred due to the data breach. Target is even offering a oneyear identity theft monitoring service for those effected. More details can be found on Target’s website.
Despite Target’s best efforts to help those affected by the data breach, many victims still have negative feelings regarding the company’s crisis.
Marie Copak, freshman exercise science major, explained her feelings towards the incident.
“It’s ridiculous to have money being leaked, especially from Target,” Copak said. “It’s the store everyone goes to.”
Copak was not affected by the data breach, but feels that a company of this stature should not have experienced such circumstances.
Target’s recent act is now investing $5 million dollars to increase cybersecurity.
“We are proud to be working with three trusted organizations—the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance, National Cyber Security Alliance and Better Business Bureau, Inc. to advance public education around cybersecurity.” Steinhafel said.
Only time will reveal any further effects from the Target data breach, but at this time customers who shopped at Target over the holidays are advised to closely watch their bank and credit card usage and report any suspicious activity.
