One of the Largest Hacking and Identity Theft Case Prosecuted

Believed to be the largest hacking and identity theft case prosecuted by the Department of Justice, 11 people have been charged with: conspiracy, computer intrusion, fraud, and identity theft. This report from the Associated Press states that Attorney General Michael Mukasey, in a prepared statement said:

"They used sophisticated computer hacking techniques, breaching security systems and installing programs that gathered enormous quantities of personal financial data, which they then allegedly sold to others or used themselves. And in total, they caused widespread loses by banks, retailers, and consumers."

Retailers affected include, TJX Cos, BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Sports Authority, Forever 21 and DSW. TJX reported that 45.7 million cards numbers could have been possible stolen, while later, some of the banks have said that the number may have been closer to 100 million. Regardless, this resulted in many retailers facing negative publicity.

The report also mentions that countries of the 11 indicted include the U.S., Estonia, Ukraine, China, and Belarus. One of the persons of interest is only known by an online alias, and it has yet to be revealed where they are from.

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