Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on reports that the breach of security at Target could have disclosed the personal information of as many as 110 million people, one-third of the population of the United States.

The breach of security involves credit and debit card information, personal identification numbers (PINs) that could be used to withdraw money with the cards, as well as other personal information, such as postal and email addresses, names, and phone numbers. Target had initially claimed that security breach involved only about forty million customers who used credit or debit cards at the store in the early part of the holiday season.

“We need to know the truth – about the actual number of people whose information was disclosed, the amount of information that was disclosed, and the reason Target failed to protect its customers,” said Congresswoman Clarke, the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity in the House of Representatives, who has worked extensively to protect Americans from the threat of identity theft. “The system of personal finance in which millions of men and women shop with credit or debit cards depends on trust, and cannot function properly without the protection of their private information.”

“Again, I urge Target to cooperate with the Secret Service and the Department of Justice, both of which are conducting an investigation, to determine the people who were responsible for this breach of security. Target has a responsibility to restore the confidence of the public by developing systems that will maintain their privacy.”