Retailer TJX reports massive data breach

Credit, Debit data stolen. Extent of breach still unknown

By Paul F. Roberts, Infoworld, January 17, 2007

The TJX Companies, a large retailer that operates over 2,000 retails stores under brands such as Bob's Stores, HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx and A.J. Wright said on Wednesday that it suffered a massive computer breach on a portion of its network that handles credit card, debit card, check, and merchandise transactions in the U.S. and abroad.

The company does not know the extent of the breach, which was first discovered in December, 2006. However, hackers may have made off with credit and debit information from transactions in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico in 2003 as well as transactions between May and December, 2006, according to a company statement.

Banking officials in Massachusetts say that the TJX breach is behind a recent warning by Visa to banks in Massachusetts, which have contacted customers in recent days and had to reissue thousands of ATM and debit cards. In the end, the hack may affect a wide range of credit card companies and thousands of consumers in the U.S. and in countries like the U.K. and Ireland, experts say.

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