Up to 70 million customers had their personal information stolen in a data breach at Target, the retailer said today, USA Today reports. Target had announced that encrypted personal identification numbers were stolen for up to 40 million credit and debit cards in the breach. Now its investigation finds “that the stolen information includes names, mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses for up to 70 million individuals.”
“I know that it is frustrating for our guests to learn that this information was taken and we are truly sorry they are having to endure this,” Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel said. The announcement comes amid news of a disappointing holiday season for retailers. Target lowered its fourth quarter guidance today, expecting a sales decline of 2.5 percent. It previously said sales would be flat.