US credit card giants Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) and Mastercard Inc. (NYSE: MA) have reported possible security breaches to law enforcement officials and card-issuing banks. A report on the KrebsonSecurity blog cites sources as saying the breach is “massive” and may affect more than 10 million card numbers.
From the Krebson blog:
In separate non-public alerts sent late last week, VISA and MasterCard began warning banks about specific cards that may have been compromised. The card associations stated that the breached credit card processor was compromised between Jan. 21, 2012 and Feb. 25, 2012. The alerts also said that full Track 1 and Track 2 data was taken – meaning that the information could be used to counterfeit new cards.
The breach is reported to have occurred at an unnamed credit card processing company or companies. Mastercard told the WSJ that its own systems have not been affected.
Are You Ahead, or Behind on Retirement? (sponsor)
If you’re one of the over 4 Million Americans set to retire this year, you may want to pay attention.
Finding a financial advisor who puts your interest first can be the difference between a rich retirement and barely getting by, and today it’s easier than ever. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors that serve your area in minutes. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Start your search now.
Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.