Visa says ATM breach may have exposed data

Visa USA has confirmed that an ATM security breakdown has exposed more consumers to potential mischief.
The story is the latest in a string of lapses that have illuminated the often flimsy controls over the personal information entrusted to businesses, schools and government agencies.

The Visa breach dates back to February when Visa began notifying banks of a security problem affecting a U.S.-based contractor that processed automated teller machine transactions.

Visa, one of the nation's largest issuers of credit and debit cards, publicly acknowledged the trouble Tuesday in response to media inquiries prompted by Wachovia Bank's decision to replace an untold number of debit cards issued to its customers.

Wachovia issued the card replacements last week as an anti-fraud measure, said bank spokeswoman Mary Beth Navarro. She declined to explain the circumstances that triggered the action after several months.