Target hack may have affected 40 million accounts

Consumers who shopped at a Target store between November 27 and December 15 should check their credit card statements for any unusual activity.

On Thursday, the retail chain acknowledged that a recent hack obtained the names, credit or debit card numbers, expiration dates, and three-digit security codes of certain store customerswho purchased items over the past few weeks. Around 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been affected by the attack.

The issue that let the hacker gain access to customer data has been identified and resolved, according to Target. The company said that it's working with law enforcement officials to track down those responsible for the attack and has hired a third-party forensic team to investigate the incident.

In an FAQ to customers potentially affected, Target explained that the data breach affects only those who made purchases at a Target store in the US between November 27 and December 15. Those who bought items through Target's Web site or at a retail store in Canada are safe, according to the company. Target REDcard holders who suspect a fraudulent charge on their card should contact Target; other customers should call their bank, Target advised.

The hack comes at an especially bad time as retailers like Target count heavily on holiday sales. In an attempt to calm concerned customers, the company said that people can continue to use their credit and debit cards to shop at Target.

"Target's first priority is preserving the trust of our guests and we have moved swiftly to address this issue, so guests can shop with confidence," Target chairman and CEO Gregg Steinhafel said in a statement. "We regret any inconvenience this may cause. We take this matter very seriously and are working with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice."