Target Hack

I hope my credit cards were among those hacked at Target. I could use the miles.

Why Target, as opposed to another department store chain! Really? If you name your business "Target" and your logo is a big target, you may be asking for trouble. I know if I were a crook, that would probably provide the incentive to hit that chain.

Now Target is not only facing millions of dollars in class action law suits, but sales are also down five percent versus last year. That's a big hit, especially this time of year. Its getting to the point where its just not safe to use your plastic.

A couple of months ago, there was a scam involving gas stations. Crooks would open the gas pumps and switch out the regular card swiper for a bogus one, designed to steal your info. So, how did they get into the pumps? One key fits them all. Yes all. How stupid is that?

Sweeping changes need to be made in ways to use this electronic medium so that it's safe. Let's see, a capsule containing the information could be injected into our arms. No, that wouldn't work. We've seen too many movies where someone digs it out. Besides, it would be the same info, and could be stolen the same way.

How about eye recognition? That would be kind of cool. Or fingerprint recognition? Of course we could always get back to using cold, hard cash. That way, if you lose it, you're just a moron. That would kind of kill on-line sales and companies would need to get back to the brick and mortar stores, increasing job growth.

The problem with that plan is that things would be a little painful for the cyber stores and services. Of course, we could also revert back to the cash on delivery system.

In any event, rest assured that other companies are now targets and you can be sure that eventually, these crooks will  hit another large retailer Hang onto your cards!

See you tomorrow.