Russian Teen Might Have Caused Target Security Breach

Fox News reported that a 17-year-old Russian boy is believed to be the main developer of the malicious software responsible for allowing the security breach of Target Corp. (Minneapolis).

A California-based cyber security firm called IntelCrawler said the malware known as BlackPOS has also infected the payment systems of six other retailers. 

Earlier this month, The Neiman Marcus Group (Dallas) admitted that its data systems had been hacked, and Reuters reported that at least three other retailers, unnamed, have been victimized as well.

The IntelCrawler report said that the 17-year-old had “roots” in St. Petersburg and goes by the online nickname “ree4.” 

In the meantime, Target said it has invested $5 million in a cybersecurity coalition and will be working with three organizations — the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance, National Cyber Security Alliance and Better Business Bureaus — to advance public education around cybersecurity. The group will launch a campaign to accelerate the dialogue around cybersecurity threats and the dangers of consumer phishing scams.

And Target has also send an email sent to the roughly 70 million customers who may have been affected by the security breach, offering free credit-monitoring services. Not surprisingly, the recipients of the email questioned its authenticity and were reluctant to respond. The New York Times reported that the email was especially suspicious to people who say they haven't set foot in a Target store in years.