The recent case of Target Corporation data beach where credit and debit cards data for some 70 million customer accounts were compromised is just another reminder of how pervasive cyber crimes are becoming. An escalating and alarming trend.
Since human existence, crime have always been a part of society. Crime no matter what kind have been local and dealt with by local law enforcement. Crime is like death and taxes or nudity and profanity. Society have accepted these irrational behaviors as lexicons and have dealt with crime through parenting and the community. Today, crime is now at a new level, it’s globalization. It’s international. It’s a global village.
Here’s why. Take the case of the Somalian pirates. These pirates hijacked cargo ships and demand ransom payments for which the multinational ship owners pay the ransom demanded.
In medieval times, pirates who hijacked ships would unload the cargo on board the captured vessels to land and resell the cargo (merchandise) to the public. Today pirates demand ransom payments which are made via bank transfers. Technology has invaded crime. Clearly the Somalian pirates have accomplices and co-conspirators.
Cyber-crimes as we have documented and monitored their activities online over the years encompasses a network of individuals who are collaborating directly and indirectly by their activities and participation. These incidents are not carried out by some kid or rogue individuals – hackers. This is organized crime. Security experts and news media groups should STOP referring to these thugs as hackers.
These individuals include a web of people, i.e. politicians, investment bankers, venture capitalists, Sleazeball Attorneys, unscrupulous IT Professionals [Data Centers/Hosting Companies. Affiliates], reputable news media group, employers – masquerading as legitimate, criminal store fronts, employees and other who have access to data management and accessibility and more importantly, our judicial system that allows frivolous complaints to be heard and Judges that seem to tolerate LIES.
To combat cyber crimes, our judicial system need to play a more vigorous and aggressive role. The Courts in it’s infinite wisdom are precluded from throwing out bogus lawsuits. However, Courts do have Judicial Discretion. Courts need to exercise judicial discretion and throw out bogus lawsuits that take up courts time and resources as these criminals see the judicial systems as safe havens.
Because law enforcement are up against a network of bureaucratic professionals interrelated by their business practices and well financed, any threat of eradicating cyber crime rest with the Courts. Law enforcement are not adequately equip to deal with cyber-crimes. They just don’t have the resources that is required to put a dent in cyber crimes. That is why Judges and Attorneys who are officers of the Court need to take the lead. Courts need to have zero tolerance for lawsuits that are frivolous when it relates to cybercrime and clearly where the public are at risk.
Cyber crime for these individuals is INSTANT LOTTERY WEALTH; such perverse thinking is the root of cybercrime.
How pervasive has this become? Is this the new norms? In this new era of smart phones, ipads, Facebook, Google, Twitter and other technological advancements?
Tell Us What You Think
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- BusinessWeek – How Target Blew It
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- Cybersecurity and Cyberwar: What Everyone Needs to Know
- KrebsOnSecurity – Target Investigating Data Breach
- Bank Security Info – Fraud Patterns Suggest New Breaches
- The Bad Guys at Work – Misinformation Being Circulated “George”
- Target Customer Data Breach Hits Home
- KerbsOnSecurity – Target Card Flood Underground Market
- Cyber Crimes and the Law (mediameansnothing.com)
- Hacker took over BBC server, tried to ‘sell’ access (worldbulletin.net)
- Four Arrested in the UK for Using Malware to Steal Money from Banks (news.softpedia.com)
- Cyber Crime: Weak US card security made Target a juicy target for Hackers (conservativeread.com)
scamFRAUDalert™ Report 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Michael Fox
ICR, Inc. for Michaels
Phone: (203) 682-8218
(203) 258-9527
Email:Michael.Fox@icrinc.com
Michaels Provides Information on Certain Customer Payment
Cards
IRVING, TX
–
January 25, 2014
–
Michaels Stores, Inc. (the “Company” or “Michaels”) recently learned of possible fraudulent activity on some U.S. payment cards that had been used at Michaels, suggesting that the Company may have experienced a data security attack. The Company is working closely with federal law enforcement and is conducting an investigation with the help of third-party data security experts to establish the facts. Although the investigation is ongoing, based on the information theCompany has received and in light of the widely-reported criminal efforts to penetrate the data systems ofU.S. retailers, Michaels believes it is appropriate to let its customers know a potential issue may have occurred.
“We are concerned there may have been a data security attack on Michaels that may have affected our customers’ payment card information and we are taking aggressive action to determine the nature and scope of the issue,” said Chuck Rubin, CEO.
“While we have not confirmed a compromise to our systems, we believe it is in the best interest of our customers to alert them to this potential issue so they can take steps to protect themselves, for example, by reviewing their payment card account statements for unauthorized charges.”
Mr. Rubin added, “Throughout our 40-year history, our customers have always been our number one priority and we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause. The privacy and security of our customers’ information is of critical importance to us and we are focused on addressing this issue.”
Michaels will post information related to its ongoing investigation as appropriate on the Company’s website, http://www.michaels.com
.
About Michaels
Irving, Texas based Michaels Stores, Inc. is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself
home decorator.
Gregg Steinhafel, Target Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, shared this open letter with guests in newspapers across the country today.
Dear Target Guests,
As you have probably heard, Target learned in mid-December that criminals forced their way into our systems, gaining access to
guest credit and debit card information. As a part of the ongoing forensic investigation, it was determined last week that certain guest information, including names, mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses, was also taken.
Our top priority is taking care of you and helping you feel confident about shopping at Target, and it is our responsibility to protect your information when you shop with us.
We didn’t live up to that responsibility, and I am truly sorry.
Please know we moved as swiftly as we could to address the problem once it became known, and that we are actively taking steps to respond to your concerns and guard against something like this happening again. Specifically, we have:
1. Closed the access point that the criminals used and removed the malware they left behind.
2. Hired a team of data security experts to investigate how this happened. That effort is ongoing and we are working closely with law enforcement.
3. Communicated that our guests will have zero liability for any fraudulent charges arising from the breach.
4. Offered one year of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection to all Target guests so you can have peace of mind.
In the days ahead, Target will announce a coalition to help educate the public on the dangers of consumer scams. We will also accelerate the conversation–among customers, retailers, the financial community, regulators and others–on adopting newer, more secure technologies that protect consumers.
I know this breach has had a real impact on you, creating a great deal of confusion and frustration. I share those feelings. You expect more from us and deserve better.
We want to earn back your trust and confidence and ensure that we deliver the Target experience you know and love.
We are determined to make things right, and we will.
Sincerely,
Target-Gregg-Steinhafel
Chairman, president and chief executive officer, Target
http://www.abullseyeview.com/2014/01/target-ceo-gregg-steinhafel-open-letter-guests/
Target Confirms Unauthorized Access to Payment Card Data in U.S. Stores
Issue has been identified and resolved
MINNEAPOLIS — December 19, 2013
Target today confirmed it is aware of unauthorized access to payment card data that may have impacted certain guests making credit and debit card purchases in its U.S. stores. Target is working closely with law enforcement and financial institutions, and has identified and resolved the issue.
“Target’s first priority is preserving the trust of our guests and we have moved swiftly to address this issue, so guests can shop with confidence. We regret any inconvenience this may cause,” said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Target. “We take this matter very seriously and are working with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.”
Approximately 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been impacted between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, 2013. 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.
More information is available at Target’s corporate website. Guests who suspect unauthorized activity should contact Target at: 866-852-8680.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,921 stores – 1,797 in the United States and 124 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit target.com/corporateresponsibility.
For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom.
media hotline
p: (612) 254-4650
e: press@target.com