CVS, Costco Suffer Possible Data Breach
It has been reported that CVS and Costco’s photo websites have suffered data breaches. It has been reported that millions of users’ data has possibly been compromised at as many as five of the country’s largest retail companies that use the third-party photo processing vendor. The giant retailers have all reportedly shut down their online photo processing services and mobile apps that run through those sites. The websites have allegedly only been shut down temporarily while the companies and the vendor which handled the financial transactions investigate the cause.
If you or anyone you know has used the services of these companies’ online photo sites, then you may be part of a class action lawsuit. An investigation into this matter is ongoing. Please contact us at (213) 217-5019.
Background
CVS is the second largest drug store chain in the United States. Costco is one of the largest retailers in the world. PNI Digital Media is the third-party vendor that handles photo and electronic payment processing for both companies’ photo websites and is alleged to have suffered the security breach. Staples, Inc., the office retailer giant has owned PNI since 2014. Unfortunately this is not the first time the company has suffered a customer data breach. Staples suffered a breach in October at its online network and reportedly data for as many as 1.16 million people’s credit cards was exposed.
CVS, Costco Database Breach
A data breach occurs when a person who does not have permission to access certain information of another, is able to view or access that information. For more information on how hackers can access your private data, click here. A well-known type of data breach occurs when hackers are able to hack into computer systems and target personal information, for example.
In this case, the data was reportedly exposed but the extent of the theft or damage to consumers has yet to be measured. CVS and Costco reportedly have cautioned their customers that only the photo processing websites were affected. CVS has reportedly claimed that their main website as well as their contact lens and medical clinic sites have not been affected. It has been reported that Costco claims its main website, store locations and in-store photo centers have not suffered any data breaches.
It has been reported that Costco and CVS have warned their customers to monitor their credit and debit card accounts for any suspicious activity. Customers of both companies have reportedly been warned to watch their bank and credit card statements as well. It is reported that hackers can very quickly use stolen card data to siphon money out of unsuspecting victims accounts. Costco has issued a statement that allegedly states that individual customers will be contacted if the investigation confirms that member data has been compromised.
Please Contact Us
If you or anyone you know has used CVS or Costco’s online photo processing websites, then you may be part of a class action lawsuit. An investigation into this matter is ongoing. Please contact us at (213) 217-5019.
