TJX Computer Breach Affected at Least 45.7 Million Credit and Debit Cards

The security breach disclosed by TJX over two months ago resurfaced after regulatory fillings revealed that the data of at least 45.7 million credit cards and debit cards were among those acquired by hackers.

TJX also revealed that they became aware of suspicious activity in their computer system on December 18, 2006, but did not notify the public until January 17, 2007. TJX also said that they believed hackers had accessed the computers as early as July 2005, and during the period from May of 2006 to January of 2007.

TJX added that about three-quarters of the credit cards involved had either expired at the time of theft, or that the magnetic strips were encrypted, and thus masked from theft.

The FTC is also looking into why information stolen by hackers wasn’t being routinely deleted, which is common practice for large businesses.

The filing indicated that another 455,000 customers who returned items without a receipt had personal information stolen, including credit card info and drivers licenses.

TJX, the parent company for such clothing chains as T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s is facing an investigation by the FTC and lawsuits from banks and consumers who claim TJX didn’t do enough to safeguard customer information.

The extent of the loss is still widely unknown, and TJX cited the investigation as a time consuming ordeal that may never be fully resolved.

TJX shares rose 30 cents, or 1.13 percent, to $26.80 in early afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

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