Home Depot Calls in Outside Help to Investigate Possible Security Breach

The Home Depot has reached out to two prominent internet security firms to help them investigate a possible data breach that may have seen the personal information of customers stolen and sold on the black market online.

WSB-TV reports that the Atlanta-based home improvement giant has called for reinforcements in the form of Symantec and FishNet Security, two well-respected and cutting-edge internet security companies. They will assist The Home Depot’s internal forensics and security teams to determine whether a breach occurred, and if so, the extent of the damage.

Krebs on Security announced on Tuesday that batches of customers’ credit card information were released on an underground website that specializes in the buying and selling of personal information. Krebs believes the hackers may be Russians and Ukrainians, possibly those also responsible for similar security breaches at Target and P.F. Chang’’s.

In a statement released Wednesday, The Home Depot reassured customers that if the breach did in fact occur, The Home Depot will offer identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to customers who were affected. Additionally, The Home Depot or customers’ financial institutions will handle fraudulent charges racked up by unauthorized users.

“We know that this news may be concerning and we apologize for the worry this can create. If we confirm a breach has occurred, we will make sure our customers are notified immediately,” the statement reads in part.

In the meantime, The Home Depot is urging customers to monitor their credit card accounts to ensure there is no suspicious activity.

If you have any questions, please call Home Depot Customer Care at 1-800-HOMEDEPOT (1-800-466-3337).