Target data breach pits banks against retailers

Target data breach pits banks against retailers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Banks and big retailers are locked in a debate over the breach of consumer data that gripped Target Corp. during the holiday season. At issue: Which industry bears more responsibility for protecting consumers’ personal information?

The retailers’ argument: Banks must upgrade the security technology for the credit and debit cards they issue.

The banks’ counterargument: Newer electronic-chip technology wouldn’t have prevented the Target breach. And retailers must tighten their own security systems for processing card payments.