Evan Schuman

The TJX data breach has been a veritable data dynamo of details that, if carefully pieced together, say virtually nothing. But those details have typically hinted at a wide range of security problems, including weak firewall protection, encryption irregularities, wireless problems and a Trojan horse that may have been planted. After months of motions and […]

Second Life experimentation aside, major retail chain Tweeter is wondering if 3-D e-commerce might prove to be practical and a major advance for shoppers. When discussing the possible future intersection for e-commerce and 3-D interactive environments with realistic avatars, the line between Web transactions and science fiction gets blurry. But consider this scenario. A consumer […]

When Walmart.com recently touted its Web technology as the reason it was no longer going to tell customers its phone number, it raised eyebrows. That move followed Amazon.com severely limiting access to its customer service phone number. But the problem of retailers relying too much on technology and cutting off customer feedback is only half […]

Despite TJX having reported some 46 million consumers impacted by the massive data breach into its computer systems, new documents indicate that as many as 96 million consumers may have been affected, including about 29 million MasterCard victims and 65 million Visa victims, according to documents filed with the federal court in Boston Oct. 23. […]

Sears Holdings and the Computer Sciences Corp. ended a multi-year IT-outsourcing contract dispute on Oct. 22, with few details released, except perhaps the most meaningful one: Sears is paying CSC. “Sears and CSC have amicably settled their differences on mutually satisfactory terms, with Sears paying an undisclosed amount to CSC,” said the brief statement, issued […]

When it comes to Payment Card Industry issues, its been Visa that has taken center stage. Heck, most of the other card players dont even want to be seen peeking from the wings. To be certain, MasterCard, American Express and others have been active in PCI circles, but theyve been quite willing to let Visa […]

As the latest TJX saga—the banks versus the retailer—unfolds, I cant help but be reminded of driving along a major New York highway. Cars are speeding through every lane. “What are the chances that, with all of these cars speeding, the police will nab me?” As the legal arguments begin to be made—as they were […]

The Pathmark 141-store regional grocery chain is going to trial with an innovative way to slash credit card interchange fees. Pathmark, based on Cartaret, N.J., is rolling out a branded combination loyalty and payment card, selling convenience and discounts to its customers. The catch: the combo card only offers debit payment. The chain will start […]

Starbucks and Akamai announced an agreement Thursday for what they paint as a faster and more reliable way for customers to do in-store digital downloads. The Akamai deal comes as Starbucks embarks on an arrangement with Apple announced Sept. 5, to enable visitors to the coffee chain to download music from the iTunes Wi-Fi Music […]

Court Zeros In on What TJX Didnt Say”> TJX knew how “antiquated and deficient” its security efforts were and yet never told MasterCard or Visa, resulting in negligent misrepresentations. Thats how U.S. District Judge William Young summed up what the banks must prove to win at trial in his courtroom. In an hour-long federal court […]