So I was just checking my email, as I usually do at some point during the day (okay maybe at a few points during the day), when I see an email from Target. I usually don’t get emails from them but it all clicked into focus once I read the subject line; “Important message from Target to our Guests”.
Ahhh…The much talked about Target Data Breach.
At least 70 million customers were targeted.
While I have certainly heard about this issue, I have quickly scanned articles on the web without reading anything in depth. After refilling my cup of coffee, I finally decided to delve in. After all, I got a personal email from Target.
If you’re like me and you just want the basics without wadding through a wordy article about malware, I’ve got you covered! Here are the main points you should know:
● Hackers have stolen the personal information of Target customers that made in-store purchases between November 27th and December 15th.
● Info included debit or credit card numbers, social security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses.
Target is offering customers free credit monitoring for the year!
● Check your credit report, credit card and bank statements to make sure you recognize all activity.
● Even if you did not purchase anything from a Target store during those dates, or notified that your information was hacked; it’s still a good idea to take precautions. Especially because Target recently informed the public that the damage was twice as bad as they had originally thought. You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal information!
● Change your passwords on personal accounts.
● Watch out for suspicious phone calls and emails requesting personal information.
I hope that no one out there experiences any damage from this hacking and things are straightened out ASAP! Time for a refill because I will certainly drink to that!