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Justice Department looking into Target data breach

US Attorney General Eric Holder says his office is working to find the perpetrators, as well as anyone using the stolen data.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Target

The Target data breach that has affected up to 110 million people is now under scrutiny by the US Justice Department.

Speaking before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on Wednesday, US Attorney General Eric Holder said his office is evaluating and enforcing "privacy protections and other safeguards concerning data possessed by government as well as the private sector." More specifically, Holder said that his office is trying to find the criminals who are behind the Target data breach and anyone who might be using the stolen information for gain.

"While we generally do not discuss specific matters under investigation, I can confirm the Department is investigating the breach involving the US retailer, Target," Holder said. "And we are committed to working to find not only the perpetrators of these sorts of data breaches - but also any individuals and groups who exploit that data via credit card fraud."

Target has been at the center of a massive data breach that saw the credit and debit card numbers of 40 million of its customers stolen between November 27 and December 15. Earlier this month, the company said that as many as 70 million additional customers had their personal information stolen, including names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

Holder didn't specify what the government is doing to investigate the breach or whether it's nearing any charges on the alleged hackers.