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What happened in the Target data breach?

What happened in the Target data breach?

Twingate Team

May 23, 2024

In December 2013, Target experienced a significant data breach that severely impacted its reputation and customer trust. The breach involved unauthorized access to Target's network through a compromised third-party vendor's system.

How many accounts were compromised?

The breach compromised data for approximately 70 million users.

What data was leaked?

The data exposed in the breach included credit card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, cardholder names, and encrypted PINs.

How was Target hacked?

In the 2013 Target data breach, cybercriminals gained access to Target's network by compromising a third-party vendor's portal. Once inside the network, they were able to steal 40 million credit and debit records and 70 million customer records. Although specific hacking techniques and software installed on card-swiping machines were not detailed, the breach led to Target issuing more secure chip-and-pin cards to enhance security.

Target's solution

In response to the hacking incident, Target implemented several enhanced security measures to protect its customers and prevent future breaches. These actions included issuing more secure chip-and-pin cards, which are more difficult for criminals to use for unauthorized transactions. Target worked diligently to restore its public reputation and regain customer trust following the breach.

How do I know if I was affected?

Target reached out to affected users following the data breach. If you were a Target customer during the time of the breach and did not receive a notification, you can visit Have I Been Pwned to check if your credentials were compromised.

What should affected users do?

In general, affected users should:

  1. Change Your Password: Immediately update your password for the breached account. Make sure the new password is strong and unique, not previously used on any other platform.

  2. Reset Passwords for Other Accounts: If you've used the same or similar passwords for other online accounts, reset those as well. This is crucial as attackers often try using stolen passwords on multiple sites.

  3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on the breached account. Consider enabling this additional security feature on all other important online accounts to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

  4. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions or changes, report them immediately to the appropriate parties.

For more specific help and instructions related to Target's data breach, please contact Target's support directly.

Where can I go to learn more?

If you want to find more information on the Target data breach, check out the following news articles:

Rapidly implement a modern Zero Trust network that is more secure and maintainable than VPNs.

/

What happened in the Target data breach?

What happened in the Target data breach?

Twingate Team

May 23, 2024

In December 2013, Target experienced a significant data breach that severely impacted its reputation and customer trust. The breach involved unauthorized access to Target's network through a compromised third-party vendor's system.

How many accounts were compromised?

The breach compromised data for approximately 70 million users.

What data was leaked?

The data exposed in the breach included credit card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, cardholder names, and encrypted PINs.

How was Target hacked?

In the 2013 Target data breach, cybercriminals gained access to Target's network by compromising a third-party vendor's portal. Once inside the network, they were able to steal 40 million credit and debit records and 70 million customer records. Although specific hacking techniques and software installed on card-swiping machines were not detailed, the breach led to Target issuing more secure chip-and-pin cards to enhance security.

Target's solution

In response to the hacking incident, Target implemented several enhanced security measures to protect its customers and prevent future breaches. These actions included issuing more secure chip-and-pin cards, which are more difficult for criminals to use for unauthorized transactions. Target worked diligently to restore its public reputation and regain customer trust following the breach.

How do I know if I was affected?

Target reached out to affected users following the data breach. If you were a Target customer during the time of the breach and did not receive a notification, you can visit Have I Been Pwned to check if your credentials were compromised.

What should affected users do?

In general, affected users should:

  1. Change Your Password: Immediately update your password for the breached account. Make sure the new password is strong and unique, not previously used on any other platform.

  2. Reset Passwords for Other Accounts: If you've used the same or similar passwords for other online accounts, reset those as well. This is crucial as attackers often try using stolen passwords on multiple sites.

  3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on the breached account. Consider enabling this additional security feature on all other important online accounts to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

  4. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions or changes, report them immediately to the appropriate parties.

For more specific help and instructions related to Target's data breach, please contact Target's support directly.

Where can I go to learn more?

If you want to find more information on the Target data breach, check out the following news articles:

Rapidly implement a modern Zero Trust network that is more secure and maintainable than VPNs.

What happened in the Target data breach?

Twingate Team

May 23, 2024

In December 2013, Target experienced a significant data breach that severely impacted its reputation and customer trust. The breach involved unauthorized access to Target's network through a compromised third-party vendor's system.

How many accounts were compromised?

The breach compromised data for approximately 70 million users.

What data was leaked?

The data exposed in the breach included credit card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, cardholder names, and encrypted PINs.

How was Target hacked?

In the 2013 Target data breach, cybercriminals gained access to Target's network by compromising a third-party vendor's portal. Once inside the network, they were able to steal 40 million credit and debit records and 70 million customer records. Although specific hacking techniques and software installed on card-swiping machines were not detailed, the breach led to Target issuing more secure chip-and-pin cards to enhance security.

Target's solution

In response to the hacking incident, Target implemented several enhanced security measures to protect its customers and prevent future breaches. These actions included issuing more secure chip-and-pin cards, which are more difficult for criminals to use for unauthorized transactions. Target worked diligently to restore its public reputation and regain customer trust following the breach.

How do I know if I was affected?

Target reached out to affected users following the data breach. If you were a Target customer during the time of the breach and did not receive a notification, you can visit Have I Been Pwned to check if your credentials were compromised.

What should affected users do?

In general, affected users should:

  1. Change Your Password: Immediately update your password for the breached account. Make sure the new password is strong and unique, not previously used on any other platform.

  2. Reset Passwords for Other Accounts: If you've used the same or similar passwords for other online accounts, reset those as well. This is crucial as attackers often try using stolen passwords on multiple sites.

  3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on the breached account. Consider enabling this additional security feature on all other important online accounts to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

  4. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions or changes, report them immediately to the appropriate parties.

For more specific help and instructions related to Target's data breach, please contact Target's support directly.

Where can I go to learn more?

If you want to find more information on the Target data breach, check out the following news articles: