After Target Was Hacked Emails From Them May Be Imposters

After major American retail outlet Target was hacked recently, with millions of people's information potentially compromised. Now the security disaster continues as a warning email from Target may have been mimiced by malicous attackers. The store claims to have thwarted 12 separate fraudulent email attacks, with more potentially still out there. The real Target emails went to customers whose personal information was in the Target database. Cyber thieves penetrated the records during the holiday shopping season breach discovered last month and stole info like names, phone numbers and email addresses. The full extent of the hacking is still under investigation.

     While Target works on a more solid solution here is what you should do if you get an email from Target.

If you have already opened the email:

Compare it to the sample email Target has posted on its website here. If your email does not look like that, delete it and do not click on anything in the email. 

Target emphesizes that the company would never ask for personal information like a credit card number or social security number.

If you have clicked on an external link in a suspicious email:

Check your bank accounts immediately and inform your credit reporter about a potential threat. Check your account activity regularly for any suspicious charges. If you entered a credit card or debit card number, reach out to those institutions to warn them of potential fraud as well.

If you have not opened the email:

To negate any possible risks delete the email and read it on Target's website here instead. Target emphesizes that the company would never ask for personal information like a credit card number or social security number. 

If you are concerned about the security of your systems do not hesitate to contact Pinnadyne - The Piece That Completes Your Technology Puzzle. 

Remember, when in doubt reboot and save and save often.

As always, Happy Computing.