add to a growing list of retailers with egg on their faces, Sears Holding Corp. announced Friday, October 10, that the payment systems in its Kmart retail stores have been violated by malware. According to the Wall Street Journal, this violation was discovered Thursday, October 9 and is believed to have started in early September. Like other violations retail stores, malware was found in the Kmart payment system and was able to get through because it was detected by current antivirus software. It has since been removed and content. Sears has assured customers that the security breach was limited only to the brick and mortar stores Kmart, and did not affect Kmart.com or Sears stores and websites.
What are the customer information was exposed Kmart?
The preliminary investigation by Kmart determined that only debit card numbers and credit and expiration dates were compromised. It has not been revealed how many stores or customers were affected by the breach. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Kmart said no personal data such as security numbers or addresses social email were exposed during the breach.
How Kmart answer this violation?
Similar to other retailers who have suffered violations during the year, Kmart has set up a page on its website to provide updated information on the breach like more information is discovered. The store will offer all customers who paid with a debit or credit card in shops to 9 October a year of free credit monitoring service. At that time, Kmart did not disclose this credit monitoring service, it will use, so if you believe you may have been affected, you should check the website later. Kmart also reminded customers that they are not responsible for fraudulent charges made on their credit cards as a result of the violation.
What can I do to protect myself?
If you believe there is a possibility of your card may have been compromised, it is important check your bank or credit card statements carefully. Keep an eye on the strange charges and report anything wrong with your bank or credit card company immediately. It is fortunate that no personal information was exposed in the breach, but it is always a good idea to think about the protection identity theft . These services monitor your personal and financial information on the black market and public folder to make sure it will not be exchanged, sold or used by thieves. They also monitor your credit reports, and key services regularly send you copies of your reports and credit scores as well as alert you to any suspicious activity. Learn more about identity theft services on our review page.