Your Daily Computer Security Tips

The U.S. Justice Department has charged 11 people in that huge credit and debit card theft operation from a bunch of retailers, including OfficeMax, TJX and BJs. More than 40 million credit card numbers were stolen. This is the largest such case ever handled by the Justice Dept.

One of the participants charged, Albert Gonzalez, had been previously arrested by the Secret Service back in 2003 for fraud. During the latest investigation, it was found that Gonzalez was working as a confidential informant for the very same Secret Service. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The card numbers were obtained by hacking into the wireless computer networks of the retailers. They were then sold or used to withdraw large amounts of money from ATMs. In the process, the crooks also gathered a great deal of personal information about each cardholder.

Some retailers, in particular TJX, were charged by the Federal Trade Commission with failure to properly safeguard personal consumer data.

Watch your bank and credit card statements closely for any unusual activity. Report discrepancies to your bank at once.