Kmart is investigating a store payment data system breach, according to President and Chief Member Officer Alasdair James.
On Oct. 9, 2014, the Kmart IT team determined that the payment data systems at Kmart Stores had been infected with a new form of malware in early September 2014. The malware has been removed.
Following the discovery of the potential breach, Kmart contracted an IT security firm to conduct a forensic investigation. To date, the investigation has determined that no personal information, credit/debit PIN numbers, email addresses or social security numbers were obtained by the cybercriminals. There also is no evidence that online shoppers were impacted. Kmart is collaborating with federal law enforcement, banking partners and security experts to rectify the situation.
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“The privacy and security of our customers’ information is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to doing everything we can to safeguard our customers’ information in the face of a recent surge of data attacks,” James said. “To further protect our members and customers who shopped with a credit or debit card in our Kmart stores during the month of September through Oct. 9, 2014, Kmart will be offering free credit monitoring protection.”
Customers potentially impacted by the breach can receive more information at kmart.com or by calling the customer care center at 888-488-5978.
