Towards the end of 2013, the world witnessed the largest retail hack to date. Yet, the way in which it occurred did not match the caused uproar. In fact, this hack could have easily been prevented had the company hired a competent security crew. Target, the company under scrutiny, is worth approximately＄65 billion and second only to Walmart as the largest discount chain store. Considering Target’s national (and now international)prowess, the company is a likely target for attempted hacks. Target began implementing a new security system created by Fire Eye, whose clients include the CIA and the Pentagon. This occurred six months before the hack that would have specialists in Bangalore monitor its computers and alert Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis if there was any suspicious activity.

On 30th, hackers planted a malware that would retrieve credit card numbers, addresses, names, and phone numbers. Their method was rather conventional, and specialists in Bangalore notified Target’s security center in Minneapolis of the hack. However, the security crew in Minneapolis ignored and failed to act upon the notification for reasons not yet revealed. No matter the reason, had they been more competent, Target could have prevented 40 million credit and debit accounts and 70 million names, phone numbers, and other pieces of personal information from being hacked.

As a result of this incident, Target’s holiday sales fell 46 percent from the previous year, the largest drop since Target started keeping record. But the greatest obstacle for Target still lies ahead. Lawsuits are piling up, as are complaints and skepticism in the company’s proficiency. With its legitimacy on the line, Target must realize its shortcomings and improve its staff and technology because there is no guarantee that a similar incident can happen again.