Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Leading home improvement retailer, Home Depot Inc. ( HD ), after thorough investigation of the recent data breach from its payment systems, revealed that the incident impacted nearly 56 million debit and credit cards.

This makes Home Depot's data breach the second-largest one in recent times as it caused even greater damage than Target Corp's ( TGT ) massive breach last year before Christmas, where hackers robbed about 40 million credit and debit card information. However, the attack trails TJX Companies Inc's ( TJX ) cyber attack in 2007 that affected about 90 million records.

Coming back to Home Depot, the company also disclosed that the malware used in the attack has been completely removed from its U.S. and Canadian networks. Further, to step up the security of its payment systems and safeguard consumer records, the company has rolled out a major payment security project providing superior encryption of payment data at point of sale in its U.S. stores. The company also stated that it aims to extend this project to its Canadian stores at the beginning of 2015.

However, the company said that its Canadian stores are already equipped with EMV "Chip and PIN" technology that provides enhanced security. Home Depot also revealed that it is on track to roll out EMV "Chip and PIN" technology to all U.S. stores by the end of this year, ahead of the Oct 2015 deadline established by the payments industry.

Despite the disturbance caused by this breach throughout September, the company estimates sales for the third quarter to remain the same as expected earlier. Driven by third quarter-to-date results, the company reiterated its previous fiscal 2014 sales growth target of 4.8%. Nevertheless, it revised its earnings per share forecast for the year to $4.54 (from $4.52 projected earlier), reflecting year over year growth of nearly 21%.

The company's revised earnings forecast includes estimates for the expenses incurred to investigate the data breach, provide credit monitoring services to its customers, increase call center staffing and pay legal and professional services.

However, the profit guidance does not include the potential losses associated with the breach as the company mentioned that it is yet to estimate further costs that it might incur in relation to the same. These may include liabilities related to payment card networks for reimbursements of credit card fraud and card reissuance costs as well as future civil litigation and governmental investigations and enforcement proceedings.

Home Depot had begun investigating the breach on Sep 2, after being informed by its banking partners and law enforcement about the matter. Since then, the company's internal IT security team has been working with leading IT security firms, its banking partners and the Secret Service to get hold of the situation.

The breach was first reported by security blogger Brian Krebs, who sighted an attack of malware on Home Depot's systems similar to the one that had hacked Target Corp's systems last year.

Apart from Target and Home Depot, other companies, including Michaels, SuperValu Inc. ( SVU ) and Neiman Marcus, have faced system hacking issues amid increased security threats from hackers.

Follow this link:
Home Depot Steps Up Security as Breach Impacts 56M Cards - Analyst Blog

(PRWEB) September 19, 2014

According to a new market research report "Home Automation & Controls Market by Product (Lighting Control, Security Control, Access Control, HVAC Control, Entertainment Control, Outdoor Control, Communication Protocols, Standards & Data Distribution) & Geography (2013 - 2018), the value of home automation &; controls market was worth $19.15 billion in 2012, and is expected to reach $48.02 billion by 2018, at an estimated CAGR of 16.9% from 2013 to 2018.

Browse 91 market data tables with 49 figures spread through 314 pages and in-depth TOC on Home Automation & Controls Market http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/home-automation-control-systems-market-469.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. Inquiry Before Buying @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=469

Even though the concept of home automation has been in existence for a long time, the market has witnessed profound growth, mainly, during the last five years. The stringent regulations being imposed by the governments, augmented by the increasing home owners need to save costs, are the primary factors contributing to the growth of this market. The growing awareness about wireless technologies and the developments towards the integration of wired and wireless technologies will propel this market, further, in the future.

The detailed segmentation by product and geography included in the report covers all the major controls and technologies used in home automation. The major control products that have been extensively covered in the report are lighting control, security control, access control, HVAC control, entertainment control, outdoor control, and other controls. Besides, all the major communication protocols such as KNX, DALI, and NEMA, and wired and wireless technologies such as BACnet, LonWorks, ZigBee, EnOcean, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, WI-Fi, and many more have also been discussed in the report. The geographical segmentation involves segregation of the market into various geographical regions, namely: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle-East, Asia, and Oceania.

The demand for energy efficient solutions coupled with the rising concerns for enhanced security has spurred the market for home automation & controls. This market, which initially started with wired technologies, has now entered the era of wireless technologies with the emergence of technologies such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, EnOcean, and others.

The report is aimed at identifying the entire home automation & controls market; specifically, lighting control, security control, access control, HVAC control, entertainment control, and outdoor control, along with the regional trends. The report covers the overall market and the sub-segments through the extensively detailed classifications in terms of product and geography.

By Product- The major types of products considered for the analysis are:- lighting control, security control, access control, HVAC control, entertainment control, outdoor control, and other controls. Each of the products is further divided into sub-segments. Besides, all the major communication protocols such as KNX, DALI, and NEMA; and wired and wireless technologies such as BACnet, LonWorks, ZigBee, EnOcean, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and many more have also been discussed in the report. Quantitative data containing revenue for each of the product type discussed above is given in the report. Each of the above mentioned product types are also segmented geographically. Thus, the report also covers the regional analysis and product forecasts of critical regional pockets.

By Geography- The geography market is further segmented into regions such as North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle-East, Asia, and Oceania, which gives a detailed insight about the potential regions for the home automation and controls market.

Follow this link:
Home Automation & Controls Market by Product (Lighting Control, Security Control, Access Control & HVAC Control ...

By Jack M. Germain 09/19/14 2:58 PM PT

Home Depot on Thursday said it had excised the malware demon from its computerized payment system after its recent discovery of a security breach in which thieves stole records of 56 million credit cards.

Home Depot stopped short of admitting that an ongoing security upgrade may have contributed to the breach. Efforts to harden the system with enhanced encryption and new technology will not be completed in some areas until early next year.

Cybercriminals used a custom-built malware attack to evade detection for at least five months -- from April to September -- the company said.

The malware had not been seen in other attacks, according to Home Depot's security partners.

The hackers' method of entry is now closed, the company emphasized. Any terminals identified with the malware were taken out of service, and security enhancements were put in place.

"Customers should carefully monitor their statements and take advantage of the free ID protection and credit monitoring we are offering," Paula Drake, a Home Depot spokesperson, told the E-Commerce Times.

Despite the measures taken, Home Depot and its customers could face future consequences from the breach. There is no evidence that debit card PINs were compromised, or that the breach impacted stores in Mexico or customers who shopped online at HomeDepot.com or HomeDepot.ca.

"We don't know if email addresses have been stolen, said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4. "Probably not. So consumers are probably just dealing with the standard compromised credit card accounts."

This malware attack was a very specific software vulnerability. Once it is plugged, you are OK, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Originally posted here:
Home Depot Gives 56 Million Customers a Heads Up

The extent of the Home Depot security breach is just coming to light, and it does not paint a reassuring picture for patrons of the big-box retailer.

Fifty-six million customers were affected, which, according to Bloomberg, gives Home Depot the dubious distinction of topping Targets massive credit card breach during last year's holidays, when hackers stole 40 million credit cards.

And Bloomberg Businessweek reported Home Depot ignored internal advice to activate a security program designed by Symantec that would have added a layer of security protection at terminals where customers swipe their credit and debit cards at its 2,226 stores. The hackers used a custom-made software program to penetrate the Home Depot system at the cash registers.

Home Depot CEO Frank Blake's said his customers would not be liable for the fraudulent charges and added, "From the time this investigation began, our guiding principle has been to put our customers first, and we will continue to do so."

The do-it-yourself home center became aware of the breach two weeks ago, but this is the first time it has openly discussed the number of customers affected by the hack. The ordeal will cost Home Depot an estimated $62 million, Bloomberg reported, including call center staffing and legal costs. By contrast, Target reportedly spent $160 million to clean up the mess left by hackers, which decreased the discounter's foot traffic and sales.

Home Depot joins a growing list of retailers who have been targeted by hackers that includes not only Target but also Neiman Marcus, P.F. Chang's, Super Valu and Michaels.

Continue reading here:
Home Depot's Breach of 56 Million Credit Cards Is Even Bigger Than Target's

Chantilly, VA (PRWEB) September 19, 2014

Moss Building and Design, a family-owned remodeling company in Fairfax County, is always looking for ways to give back to the community they work and live in. Giving back to the local community is an important goal of the remodeling company whose efforts include school sponsorships as one of the many ways they give back.

Moss is looking forward to supporting the Fox Mill Elementary Schools Fall Carnival on Saturday, September 20th from 2-5 p.m. The company will be raffling off a Free Handyman for a Day and at the event will be located at the High Striker station.

The carnival is hosted by the Fox Mill PTA and proceeds will benefit fundamental programs sponsored by the PTA which include student field trips and after school programs. For more information on the event, including ticket information, you can visit their website: http://foxmillpta.com/fundraising/family-carnival/.

Jenn Zschunke, who is part of Moss Community Relations team, sees the event as a great way to have family fun and support a good community cause. We, at Moss, are thrilled to once again participate with Fox Mill in this worthy event that supports various programs at this location while also affording families a day full of fun activities.

Upcoming community events for the company include the Joe Gibbs Youth For Tomorrow Country Fair in Bristow, October 4th. Youth for Tomorrow was founded by Joe Gibbs and is a residential youth home and private school for at-risk teens. The company encourages friends and clients to come out to support the organization and enjoy a day of fun.

Moss community involvement also includes sponsoring local golf tournaments, supporting the local NephCure foundation, building the haunted house structure for Bradley Farm Haunted House, and even rebuilding the roof of the dug-outs at Chantilly Park for Chantilly Little League.

Homeowners wishing to learn more about Moss remodeling services in Northern Virginia, including additions, kitchens, bathrooms, basements and home services, or would like a free consultation, are encouraged to contact Moss or visit the company website at http://www.mossbuildinganddesign.com.

About Moss Building and Design and Moss Home Services:

For remodeling and home improvement in Northern Virginia, you can count on Moss Building and Design. Moss Building and Design and Moss Home Services are award-winning, family-owned residential remodeling and home services companies located in Chantilly, Virginia. Since 2001, they have established a reputation for excellence in remodeling additions, kitchens, bathrooms and basements and performing home services throughout Northern Virginia. Their customers see them as a trusted partner and Moss is very proud of their exceptional 80% repeat customer and referral rates. Moss Building and Design has won consumer awards such as Angies List Super Service Awards for the last three years and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, as well as many other industry building and design awards.

Follow this link:
Northern VA Home Improvement Company Supports Fairfax County Public Schools

Rain Gutter Cleaning Laguna Niguel Customhomedetailing.com
Rain Gutter Cleaning Laguna Niguel Customhomedetailing.com 714-545-5576 888-853-0188.

By: Ron White

See original here:
Rain Gutter Cleaning Laguna Niguel Customhomedetailing.com - Video

Rain Gutter Cleaning Rancho Palos Verdes Customhomedetailing.com
Rain Gutter Cleaning Rancho Palos Verdes Customhomedetailing.com 714-545-5576 888-853-0188.

By: Ron White

See original here:
Rain Gutter Cleaning Rancho Palos Verdes Customhomedetailing.com - Video

Gutter Cleaning, Pressure Washing and Window Cleaning Golden Valley, Minnesota 2014
September 2014 Wind O #39; Washin #39; and Pow O #39; Washin #39; cleaned gutters and lots of windows in Golden Valley, Minnesota for a nice client. This job took about 4.5 ...

By: Wind O #39; Washin #39;

Read the rest here:
Gutter Cleaning, Pressure Washing and Window Cleaning Golden Valley, Minnesota 2014 - Video

A North Carolina-based company will replace Texas A&Ms football field with another natural surface at the cost of $300,000, sources told The Eagle on Thursday.

The move comes after torrential rains last Friday and Saturday when the Bryan-College Station area was inundated with 4.5 inches of rain in less than 24 hours, leading to sloppy conditions in Saturday nights game between Texas A&M and Rice. After the game, which A&M won 38-10, John Sharp, chancellor for the Texas A&M System, led the decision to make a change and bring in the grass from Carolina Green.

After the game, the chancellor asked the staff and the Kyle Field redevelopment committee to look at options, said Steve Moore, the A&M Systems vice chancellor of marketing and communications. He wanted to know how to provide the best competitive playing surface we could going forward and thats what led to this process and the decisions that have been made.

Carolina Greens sod, which is being shipped in on 24 refrigerated trucks, is grown on plastic and will ship with a much thicker sod base than the grass that was installed in early August, meaning it will take less time for it to take a firm hold at Kyle Field. The next home game is Oct. 11 when A&M plays Mississippi. Crews will begin installing the field the week of Sept. 29.

According to Moore, the installation will take about two days, which should give the Aggies ample opportunity to practice on the new surface before their Southeastern Conference home opener.

Aside from the thicker sod base, another reason Carolina Green was chosen is that the company has expertise in replacing fields in-season. Over the past five years, Carolina Green has done in-season replacements for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky and University of South Carolina. Just last week, the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans played on surface that had been installed the week before by Carolina Green.

Moore said there were no discussions about switching to an artificial surface or moving games to other locations, and that university officials, as well as their Kyle Field redevelopment partners Populous and Manhattan-Vaughn Construction, did not originally anticipate any issues.

Populous and Manhattan-Vaughn have done a lot of stadiums and they had a lot of discussion about it, Moore said. There are a lot of different field experts out there. The prescription they used in terms of getting the turf, selecting the turf, putting the turf down and how it was put down was all well vetted. Had it not been for the rain, everyone is confident it would have worked very well.

He added, If you look around at our playing surfaces we have at A&M, whether its at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, Ellis Field for soccer or Kyle Field, traditionally weve had great, great turf. The feeling was that we made decisions that were consistent with that and that it was going to be a great surface for us for this year.

At halftime of last weeks game, Rice coach David Bailiff was seen on the sideline shouting with A&M Athletic Director Eric Hyman. However, after the game, Bailiff said he was satisfied the surface was safe enough to continue playing.

See the original post:
Kyle Field getting new grass after poor field conditions during Rice game

10 X 10 Eurmax Black Ez Pop up Canopy Tent Commercial Instant Gazebos + 4 Zippered Sides and
Click here to buy 10 X 10 Eurmax Black Ez Pop up Canopy Tent Commercial Instant Gazebos + 4 Zippered Sides and : http://amzn.to/1rhHQUZ Hammertone powder coa...

By: Gilbert P. Brown

Read more:
10 X 10 Eurmax Black Ez Pop up Canopy Tent Commercial Instant Gazebos + 4 Zippered Sides and - Video