South Florida Target Shoppers React to Credit and Debit Card Breach

"The onus is really at the card issuer level us to make sure the entire system is secure," said Seth Rosenblatt, CNET senior writer.

Hackers "targeting" one of the largest retailers in the U.S., Target acknowledged Thursday that a security breach may have impacted 40 million customers who used credit or debit cards at their stores.

"I think that that's really scary. I mean you think that when you shop at such a big store that everything's safe and they have a great security system that something like that wouldn't happen," said Target customer Abby Johnson.

The Secret Service confirmed it is investigating the breach first reported by a cyber security blogger. Investigators believe the data stored in the cards' magnetic strips was hacked at Target cash registers. So, if you swiped your card at Target between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, you should keep an eye on your account.

"The onus is really at the card issuer level us to make sure the entire system is secure," said Seth Rosenblatt, CNET senior writer.

"It's incredible. You don't have any security in any place and the target is a big store here," said Luisa Toro.

Here and everywhere. Minneapolis-based Target has nearly 1,800 stores In the U.S. alone.

In a statement the retail giant said: "Target alerted authorities and financial institutions immediately after it was made aware of the unauthorized access, and is putting all appropriate resources behind these efforts."

"Among other actions, target is partnering with a leading third-party forensics firm to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident."

"When you're shopping and going nuts and buying Christmas presents and everything, these are the kinds of hiccups you don't want to have happen," said Johnson.

Target says anyone who suspects unauthorized activity should call them at 866-852-8680. No online sales were affected.
 

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