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Kmart's charge card data breach is a serious issue that affects many customers. In 2014, Kmart's parent company, Sears Holdings, announced that a data breach had occurred, exposing sensitive information of millions of customers.
The breach affected an estimated 2 million Kmart charge card accounts, which is a significant portion of the company's customer base. This incident highlights the importance of protecting personal data.
If you're a Kmart charge card holder, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect yourself. Keep an eye on your account activity and report any suspicious transactions to the bank immediately.
Kmart Payment Breach
Kmart has confirmed a payment card breach that started in early September involving a "new form" of malware that infected the company's payment card systems.
The breach was detected by Kmart's IT team on October 9, and an investigation was immediately launched with the help of a leading IT security firm.
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Compromised information includes debit and credit card numbers, but no personal information, debit card PINs, email addresses, or Social Security numbers were obtained by the hackers.
Kmart's kmart.com customers were not impacted by the breach.
The malware used in the attack was undetectable by current anti-virus systems.
Kmart is working closely with federal law enforcement authorities, its banking partners, and security experts in its ongoing investigation.
Customers who shopped with a credit or debit card in Kmart stores during the month of September through October 9 will be offered free credit monitoring protection.
Kmart operates a total of 1,221 stores across 49 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as of February 2013.
Kmart's President Alisdair James apologized for any inconvenience this may cause its members and customers.
The breach is just the latest in a long string of retailers to suffer a credit card breach this year, including Dairy Queen, Home Depot, Goodwill, PF Chang's, Michaels, and Neiman Marcus.
Kmart is assuring customers that "privacy and security of our customers' information is of utmost importance", and is offering free credit monitoring to anyone who shopped at Kmart in the last month.
Kmart's payment data systems were infected with a form of malicious code that was undetectable by current anti-virus systems.
The company has now removed the malware from its system and is confident that customers can safely use their credit and debit cards in its retail stores.
Kmart is continuing to work closely with federal law enforcement authorities, its banking partners, and IT security firms in an ongoing investigation.
Data security is of critical importance to Kmart, and the company is continuously reviewing and improving the safeguards that protect its data in response to changing technology and new threats.
Data Breach Consequences
Kmart customers who used their credit or debit cards in-store may have had their information compromised.
A month-long data breach at Kmart's payment system is believed to have started in early September, according to an SEC filing.
Kmart's IT team discovered the breach on October 9, and the company has since removed the malware from its system.
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Credit and debit card numbers were likely compromised in the breach, but no social security numbers, personal information, email addresses, or debit card PIN numbers were stolen.
Kmart is working with law enforcement, banks, and security firms to investigate the breach.
The company is also offering free credit monitoring to anyone who shopped at Kmart in the last month.
Kmart's President, Alasdair James, apologized for the inconvenience caused by the breach.
The company's website states that 1,221 Kmart stores were operational as of February 2013, with 25 being Super Centers.
Kmart is confident that its customers can safely use their credit and debit cards in-store, but the company is actively enhancing its defenses in light of the breach.
Data security is of critical importance to Kmart, and the company continuously reviews and improves its safeguards in response to changing technology and new threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a charge card payment?
A charge card payment requires paying the full balance each month, with no interest charged if paid on time. However, failing to pay on time may result in high fees and penalties.
Sources
- https://www.sapling.com/4541224/apply-kmart-credit-card
- https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/kmart-says-payment-cards-breached-a-7428
- https://mainnerve.com/kmart-prevented-credit-card-system-security-breach/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/katevinton/2014/10/10/credit-cards-were-compromised-in-kmart-data-breach/
- https://www.daytondailynews.com/business/data-breach-kmart-says-customer-credit-card-information-hacked/x3W4ItPrFbF4OglPyjq5dM/
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