Cybercrime: Home Depot confirms security breach, could be bigger than Targets

There was an air of inevitability about it. Following Home Depots comments last week that itd noticed some suspicious behavior regarding customer data, the home improvement retailer on Monday confirmed that its computer systems have suffered a significant credit card breach.

In comments that will alarm many who have shopped withthe Atlanta-based firm, online security specialistBrian Krebs suggested the breach could be many times larger than the one whichsaw data from 40 million credit cards stolen from Target last year.

Its not clear if the same hackers are behind the attacks, as the malware used was slightly different in each case. Both versions are thought to be variants of the malicious BlackPOS software developed by a 17-year-old Russian man, who reportedly sold his creation to cybercriminals.

The software works to collect data from in-store point-of-sale systems when a credit or debit card is swiped through the reader.

In a release issued by Home Depot on Monday, the company said anyone who used a payment card at one of its brick-and-mortar stores from April onwards is likely to be affected by the breach.

Related: Target CEO resigns following massive data breach

In addition, Home Depot said its continuing investigation suggests that online shoppers are not affected, and no PIN numbers have been taken.The company didnt reveal how many customers have been affected, saying its still working to assess the precise scale of the breach.

Home Depot CEO Frank Blake apologized to customers for the frustration and anxiety the incident was causing, adding, Its important to emphasize that no customers will be responsible for fraudulent charges to their accounts.

Like UPS, which last month confirmed it had also been hit by similarmalware, Home Depot says itsoffering affected customers free identity protection services, including credit monitoring.

Customers who who think they may be victims ofthe Home Depot hack should visit here for more information or call 1-800-HOMEDEPOT (800-466-3337) at the earliest opportunity.

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Cybercrime: Home Depot confirms security breach, could be bigger than Targets