Check your credit card statements to prevent fraud

An international and nearly undetectable malware may have corrupted point-of-sale systems of multiple retailers. A bulletin distributed to retailers by the Department of Homeland Security suggests the shocking holiday breach affecting Target stores across the country has potentially infected a large number of retail operations. A cyberattack that has already compromised the credit card data of 40 million Target customers and the information of up to 70 million more.

Now with this new information that many other retailers could potentially have been breached, that number could potentially double in the next couple of weeks.

According to a cybersecurity firm called EyeSight, who has contributed to the investigation, many retail organizations may not know that they've been infected. This software contains a new kind of attack method that is able to covertly subvert network controls and common forensic tactics, concealing all data transfers. It's an unknown exploit, one that they haven't seen before. iSight called the malicious computer code "Kartosha," a Russian word because parts of the code were written in Russian. According to the Wall Street Journal, who spoke to sources familiar with the report, parts of Kartosha have been on the internet's black market for weeks. The paper added that unnamed U.S. officials say these details suggest the attack may have ties to organized crime from the former Soviet Union. And in a newly issued email by Target to his customers, the cyberattack stole much more than PIN numbers. Names, mailing address, phone numbers, and email addresses were also taken.

Consumers need to be aware right now, paying a very close attention to their statements. You can check your statements online every single day.