Knowledge of Target point-of-sale breach raises alarm bells

U.S. retailer Target is still working its way through a massive security breach that impacted more than 70 million in-store customers, a major issue that was first reported late last year. Additional details made available indicate a serious security overhaul will need to take place within Target, and other major retailers should closely follow suit.

Although it appears sophisticated malware targeted point-of-sale (POS) machines in Target stores, it appears some blame is being thrown towards a heating, ventilation and refrigeration third-party contractor. Cyber criminals behind the Target breach may have used the HVAC contractor's stolen account information to gain access, which led to easier access to Target's internal network.

The HVAC company, rumored to be Fazio Mechanical Services from Pennsylvania, confirmed it was recently visited by Secret Service investigators looking into the Target breach.

Target Chief Financial Officer John Mulligan recently appeared before a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, apologizing for the retailer's massive data breach.