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Security Breach Malware Data

Staples confirms data breach affected 1.16m credit cards

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By Jessica Davies | News Editor

December 20, 2014 | 2 min read

More than a million credit cards may have been affected by the data breach suffered by retailer Staples a few months ago.

The company has confirmed that the data breach, which affected point-of-sale systems at 115 of its 1,400 US retail stores, will have compromised approximately 1.16m payment cards.

“Staples customers who shopped at the affected stores during the relevant time periods should review their account statements and notify their card issuers of any suspicious activity,” the company said in a statement.

Customers looking to see if their cards have been affected can check the stores which were compromised via its website.

“Staples is committed to protecting customer data and regrets any inconvenience caused by this incident. Staples has taken steps to enhance the security of its point-of-sale systems, including the use of new encryption tools,” the statement read.

The retail chain launched an investigation into the attack as soon as it was uncovered mid-September, and has taken steps to fortify its security.

It said that the investigation has shed light on the fact that malware opened up access to some transaction data at affected stores, including cardholder names, payment card numbers, expiration dates and card verification codes.

Data from purchases would have been compromised from the 113 stores from 10 August 2014 through to 16 September 2014, while at two stores the malware may have opened up access to purchase data from as early as 20 July, according to the company.

As a result it has now pledged to offer customers who were affected free identity protection services, including credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, and a free credit report.

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